|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Holy Holy Holy"1
(Lyrics) |
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.
Forward this devotional Share on Facebook
About the author:
Jeanie Nihiser <jnihiserj@gmail.com>
Geneseo, New York, USA
Send your feedback to the author
Thanks, Jeanie, for the good word.
Thank you for your devotional today.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings
Thank you so much for today’s devotional. It spoke straight to my heart!
Thank you for today’s message, Jeanie!
Blessings!
Wonderful message. Thank you for sharing this with us. Freedom to the children of Christ.
What a lovely idea, a lovely devotional, and a lovely start to the day.
Thank you, Jeanie!
A child is dependent on his parents, expected to be obedient – We are dependent on God, obedient like children, not always.
Love this, Jeanie! What a word-picture you drew, it will be with me all day!
Bless you,
(BC)
Simple, child-like wisdom…. in a good way!
I have 3 Ukrainian children now living with me. Today, I’ll share your devotional with them.
Blessings.
Thank you, Jeanie, for another of your special writings. Yes, the more we remind ourselves that we are a child of God the closer we will feel to Him and be better followers of His way. Blessings as you continue to submit devotional writings.
Good morning, Jeanie,
I like your look at the child that Jesus used to make His point in Mark 18. Interesting to think about how that might have affected the child and not just the adult listeners. I sometimes think if I lived at the time of Jesus, would I have recognized Him as our Saviour. I do not know the answer to that question.
Thanks for sharing some of what you are uncovering in your “Breaking free” study. Definitely we all have baggage that we need to give to Jesus to hold on to so we can start each day as a new day. Blessings.
Thanks for a lovely devotional.
Thank you, Jeanie. What a great image — to be the child Jesus lifted up.
Dear Jeanie
I have had the same thought running through my mind regarding this child. To think he was before the very Son of God. When I was in Sunday School, we sang When Mothers of Salem. This song tells the biblical story. God truly loves the children. I am so glad that my parents taught me about Jesus and His love at Calvary. Keep the truths of God’s Word coming. We need to read them.
(Canada)