June 23 Childlike

Luke 18:15-17 People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
 
IN our culture, it seems difficult to believe Jesus’ disciples tried to keep children away from the Teacher. Are we not in our churches always eager for our children to know the pastor? Surely we want them to come close to one who teaches God’s Word.
    But such familiarity from a child with a rabbi or any adult was frowned upon in Jesus’ day – and in many cultures, still. Our Lord, though, took a moment, as he often did, to change the cultural mindset and give value to his creation. He welcomed the children, and he affirmed them. The disciples even learned they needed a child-like faith! Imagine the radical sound those words would be to the adults present. Isn’t faith about learning all the law, history, prophecies and religious rules? Isn’t faith about remembering complicated worship forms, attending the festivals and wearing the right clothes?
    No, faith is believing as a child that Jesus is Lord, Savior, Redeemer and King. Faith is surely believing in God and believing God. Faith does not come from the religious activities. Faith comes from God’s Spirit to generate a human heart to live into God’s heavenly directives. Faith is about coming to Jesus with excitement and joy in our hearts, prepared to enjoy a close relationship with him.
    I pray you are not hindered from being child-like in your faith. Enjoy the Lord. Seek him with a smile. Expect his love to come pouring out on you. Rejoice in the time he comes to sit with you. Trust the Lord for all aspects of your life, and you will feel his welcoming arms wrap around you.
 
Prayer: Abba Father, keep my faith child-like that I may eagerly run to you each day, loving you and being loved by you. In Jesus’ name I come, amen.