29/10/2024
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B9omK5inY/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Matthew 18:2-3 KJV
“…And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
Children were special to Jesus. While adults many times pushed them aside, Jesus brought them to the forefront, holding them, healing them, and in this case using them as an example.
“Except ye be converted” that was the first step that was needed to enter His kingdom. And that step still remains today.
We don’t inherit Heaven because our parents raised us in church. We don’t get it from grandma, or living a good, moral lifestyle.
Converted. “Adapted to be suitable for a new purpose.” How fitting is THAT!? Changed! Our purpose for LIVING has changed!
But then Jesus goes on to say, not only we need to be converted, but we also need to grow and become as little children. Seems a little backward, doesn’t it?
Why a child? Maybe it’s because a child has the natural ability to trust without question. They take things at face value. They are honest, (much to our dismay as parents sometimes!) and they are without pretense.
It’s that genuine, unquestioning spirit that I’m sure God wants us, as His children, to reflect.
Now let’s ask ourselves this… when was the last time we met someone new and were not ashamed to let that person know just how much we loved the Lord?
On another note, does it bring a genuine joy to our hearts when we connect with another believer? DO we connect with other believers? We should! The simplicity of Christian fellowship. (1 John 1:7)
Is it any wonder that Jesus wants us to be as a little child?
I’m reminded of the little song
“Jesus wants me for a sunbeam,
To shine for Him each day
In every way try to please Him,
At home, at school, at play”
Simple? Yes.
Childish? Perhaps.
Applicable to us adults? Absolutely!
Except we be converted (or we could even say “repurposed!”) and become as little children…
Let’s all strive to have that childlike trust. Unaffected by this world. Simple and genuine. Looking unto Jesus… and shining for Him!
