Matthew 18:2-5 – He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "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. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. (NIV)

I have read Matthew 18:1-11 many times and have gotten various things from it, according to what God had for me at the moment. Most of the time, my heart sought simplicity! How should I believe? Jesus said, "become like little children"! Wow, that sure cuts away a lot of junk! What it comes right down to is that if my Father said it, whatever it is, I believe it! A great lesson in any situation! Praise God!

Today, I started to wonder about that child that Jesus took in His strong arms that day. Did that precious one always remember that day? Instead of a name, it was maybe, "Hey! There goes that kid the Saviour lifted into His presence to teach a great lesson." That's the one!

What kind of an adult grew from this special child! I could imagine this little one having the notion that there could never be a more important place to be, than standing next to Jesus, no matter what life from that point on would throw him. I tried to imagine how, as a child, I would have reacted to being thrust into the spotlight and standing next to Jesus. How would my life be different? How would your life be different?

The Bible study that I am doing now is "Breaking Free". It takes you deep into your past to break free from anything that might hold you back from going into the future free of baggage. As many of you do, I have a grand set of luggage that I have been carrying. The question was asked, "Was Satan trying to ruin you?" I said, "Yes, isn't he always?" Next question: "Why didn't he?" At that, I could almost hear Jesus whisper to me — and now to you, too — "You are that child I pulled up to Myself that day!"

Never give up! "You are that child!"

Hey, there goes that kid!

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to be as a child in our faith. We want always to know that You pull us to Yourself with unfailing love and grace, all the while telling us that we are Your children. Amen.

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About the author:

Jeanie Nihiser <jnihiserj@gmail.com>
Geneseo, New York, USA
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