Like a Child
The other night I was going through some old videos that we had stored in a closet. Becoming a bit curious, I popped a couple of them in and began watching the first few years of my children’s lives. We watched Jonathan visiting the hospital just after the birth of his brother, Nathaniel. On the next video were Jonathan and Nathaniel visiting the hospital upon the birth of their sister, Joanna. We watched the three of them at a young age have their first “jam session” with their toy instruments (some of which were improvised from kitchen utensils). We were reminded of some of the cute and funny things they said back then, things that we had forgotten. And, we were reminded how much work it can be to manage three children four years old and younger!
Most of all, I was struck by how innocent they were. Although they could be stubborn at times, they were trusting of us as their parents. They quickly came running to us when we came into the house. They looked to us to meet their needs (and fulfill some of their wants). When they were sick or hurt, they called out to us believing that we as their parents could somehow help them and bring them relief from their pain. Most of all, it was fun to watch how they climbed on us and laughed with us and even showed off to us all the new things they had learned and discovered, no matter how small.
I wonder if Jesus didn’t have some of these things in mind when he said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Luke 18:17 – NIV) And, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4 – NIV)
It seems that God wants people who will totally and even innocently, trust him like children trusting their parents. He is looking for men and women who will run to him when they find themselves in pain. He is longing to have us come to him filled with joy and laughter. He wants us to know that as we come into his presence, he receives us as a good father welcoming his children.
I want to encourage you today to become like a child in the presence of your good and heavenly Father. As you do, he is there to welcome you with open arms, to help you, to comfort you, to bless you, and maybe even laugh with you.
Have a great day!
-Pastor Tim Harris
Most of all, I was struck by how innocent they were. Although they could be stubborn at times, they were trusting of us as their parents. They quickly came running to us when we came into the house. They looked to us to meet their needs (and fulfill some of their wants). When they were sick or hurt, they called out to us believing that we as their parents could somehow help them and bring them relief from their pain. Most of all, it was fun to watch how they climbed on us and laughed with us and even showed off to us all the new things they had learned and discovered, no matter how small.
I wonder if Jesus didn’t have some of these things in mind when he said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Luke 18:17 – NIV) And, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4 – NIV)
It seems that God wants people who will totally and even innocently, trust him like children trusting their parents. He is looking for men and women who will run to him when they find themselves in pain. He is longing to have us come to him filled with joy and laughter. He wants us to know that as we come into his presence, he receives us as a good father welcoming his children.
I want to encourage you today to become like a child in the presence of your good and heavenly Father. As you do, he is there to welcome you with open arms, to help you, to comfort you, to bless you, and maybe even laugh with you.
Have a great day!
-Pastor Tim Harris
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