9/1/11 The promise is for us

¹ At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
² He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. ³ And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
 ¹⁰ “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. (Mathew 18:1-5,10)

The promise is for you and your children- and for all those who are far off. (Acts 2:39)

Thoughts: The promises of God are not just for previous generations, and they are not just for old people. Rather they are from generation to generation.  Circumcision in the Old Testament was a sign of the promise given to chidren who could not yet respond.  It was a sign that God had chosen them before they could choose Him.  Some may have grown up to reject the promises and faith offered, but the sign of the promise was always upon them.  Baptism too is a sign of God's promise.  Some may reject their baptism (whether the baptism was made at 3 months, 13 or 30), but their baptism will always be upon them.  It is indelible.  Believer's children are a gift.  Those who discount the ability to teach and expose the child to the faith, are missing an important ingredient in faith development and conversion.  God's Spirit uses the faith of those around us- placed there by God's providence, to lead us to Himself. 
   Jesus said that the children were the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  This may imply that there are children in heaven now.  God does not ignore children (children are to be seen but not heard- would not fit with heaven).  Rather God welcomes them and sets them on a pedastal.

Prayer: May I recognize the importance of children, and the importance of your promises to them.

7/23/10- Mark 10:13-16 Jesus and Children

13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Thoughts: It really is amazing how God showed his care, protection, and love for little children.  Jesus was born as a child.  Most Greek gods who came to earth, and most Jewish scholars had the messiah coming as a full-grown king.  Gdo became vulnerable to show his care for children.  He protected children by saying anyone who caused one to stumble would be better to have a millstone around his neck.  Here he showed he wanted to be around little children- not just scholars, kings, and the rich.  God loves people irrespective of all our sophistry and power (which seem as nothing to Him anyway).  So, we should also value children.  In our day children are neglected in order that the adults may both work (as opposed to many cultures where one parent stays home with them).  Children are neglected by being placed in a daycare- which is like a daily foster home.  Adults sacrifice for their children by driving them to so many events/sports/talent builders.  Yet sometimes children need to rest, play, and simply be with their parent.  Looking back, I wish I had taken more time to go fishing with my son than to go watch him play football in front of a lot of people. Let us resolve to not walk past children but to care for them. Church can be one of the few places where people who are not related to you and are of a different generation see you.  This past week I was amazed to see one of our newer retired members who worked for NASA coming to VBS (Galactic Blast) and talk about his work there and show pictures.  The kids absolutely loved it!

Prayer: Lord, give me grace to be concerned about the least among us- those who are helpless or dependent. 

John Calvin abridged: This narrative is highly useful for it teaches us that Christ not only receives those moved by a holy desire and faith come to him, but also those who are not old enough to know they need his grace.  The children may not know that they need his blessing- but when they come to him, he gently and kindly receives them and dedicates them to the Father.  The laying on of hands was an ancient and well-known sign of blessing.  Since the inferior are blessed by the better (Heb. 7:7), the parents ascribe to him the office of prophet and show they believe he may dispose the Spirit of God and His gifts upon their children.

4/21/10 Mark 9:30-37 Being Great in God's Kingdom

30 They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered over to human hands. He will be killed, and after three days he will rise." 32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.
33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all."
36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

(Left- kids from Thornwell Home for Children)

Jesus had said earlier- "The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many" (Mk. 10:45).  Jesus was the ultimate servant- dying as a sacrifice- a ransom to set us free from sin, eternal death, and guilt. Yet still the disciples were jockeying for position, arguing about who is greatest.  The last person is the person who is despised, has given up his or her reputation, has freely given up being at the head of the line, does not seek human reward or recognition, but just seeks to please the Father.  When Jesus took a child as an example of greatness, he was taking a creature who naturally trusts- who knows they have no chance of greatness based on their own merits or strength.  The greatest disciple are the ones who know they are dependent not on their education, their money, their ability, but on God's strength and grace.  There is always a place for children in the Church because children teach us this important lesson- trusting in the Father. 

Prayer: Lord, let me seek my greatness in you.  Apart from you I can do nothing.  But with you, all things are possible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCfhAZjEnko ("Jesus Loves the Little Children"- turn the volume down a bit)