I just wanted to start today by saying thank you for reading along this week, and if this is the first day you’re reading, I encourage you to go back and read from earlier this week. I would also encourage you to look further back and really explore everything on this blog and that it is a blessing to you.
Throughout this week, I have been talking about having faith like a child, what that means and all the components that go into this. We talked about listening, trusting, seeking comfort, loving, learning, and forgiving life a child. Today I am going to talk about what it means to receive the kingdom like a child.
Some verses that call us to receive the kingdom like a child can be found in Mark.
Mark 10:13-16 “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.”
& In Matthew…
Matthew 18:1-5 “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.”
From both of these passages we can clearly see that Jesus is saying there is a place for children in the kingdom, and we as adults should be receiving or welcoming this gift as any child would. They are often joyous when receiving gifts, even if they don’t always realize the impact the gift will have on them.
Children are so excited about getting a present, you don’t even have to tell them what it is, and let me tell you, the gift of eternal life in the kingdom of heaven is so super awesome. I can barely wrap my mind around how wonderful that will be, but do I show that excitement to everyone I talk to? Not really. Do I show that excitement to even all the believers that I encounter? Not always. That is where a change needs to happen.
Today I am challenging you to become more excited about the gift of eternal life that we as believers and followers are going to receive. It is an amazing gift, that we should not take for granted. We need to be grateful and excited, just as children are.
Thank you for reading along with me this week as we explore the different aspects of building and having a childlike faith.
A song for today is “Build your kingdom here” by Rend Collective https://youtu.be/sbdJXKqVgtg
