Jesus Loves the Little Children
Mark 9:14b -16
“’Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”
I chose this verse today to remind us of two things. First, Jesus uses a child as an illustration of how we are to approach “heavenly” (or eternal) things—as little children—accepting and trusting. That is the part of the illustration for us. We are to have child-LIKE faith—simple, trusting, accepting—NOT child-ISH faith which is demanding, selfish and self-centered. See the difference?
The second part of the illustration demonstrates Jesus’ care and love for children. Children were (and are) drawn to Jesus. They run to him. (so should we!) The text tells us he took them in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. The God and Creator of the Universe, the Word who became flesh, the King of Kings and Commander of the Angel Armies stoops down and scoops children up into his arms.
Today our Cali team, Lisa, Julie, and Darrell return home with the blessed assurance that they have done what God called them to Cali to do, and that they can trust law enforcement in Cali to continue that work. Tonight Lisa will have one of the most difficult conversations any mother will ever have as she tells Gracie what is happening. Sunday night when I hugged and kissed her goodbye, I knew it was the last time I would see Gracie before this news rocked her world. I admit I was sad at the thought of innocence lost. BUT we cannot let our minds go there!!! We must trust, with child-like faith, that God has prepared Gracie’s heart for this news. We must trust that Jesus, who loves Gracie more than we can even imagine, will scoop her into his arms and bless her.
Will you pray with me today for safe travels for our team, that Jesus would give Lisa the right words to say, and for Gracie’s heart?
“Abba Father, this is a rough day for Lisa and Gracie. By your grace, they will be healed in time. We thank you that Gracie knows and trusts you. Give Lisa the words to say. Give them a double portion of your Spirit. Make your presence known in the darkness of the night when she is scared and sad. Guard her mind and body from the evil one who tries to make the most of every opportunity to derail the saints. Cover their home with protection and fill them with your grace. We pray for safe travels today for our team. We thank you for the way you have orchestrated circumstances over the past 2 years to prepare Lisa and Gracie for this tragedy. We ask that we continue to see your hand in this situation. We ask this in Jesus name, amen.”
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
We are praying with you night and day.
Dear Father, Please give them safe travel today as they head home. Give Lisa a calm heart as she prepares to talk to Gracie. Just pour wisdom and discernment on her that she will have the right words.
I pray that they will feel your loving arms around them and know you are there with them.
I continue to pray for wisdom for those who are searching. Give them strength and endurance to continue searching.
You are our awesome God!
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike and all of his family as they continue this journey. We pray that God is with Lisa as she tells Gracie tonight.
Post a Comment