"Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" - Matthew 19:14 (NIV).
It might seem like a mystery, but it's a simple fact why children would find it easier to enter the kingdom of God. Theirs, unlike lots of adults, is a simple faith.
Here is a good story to explain. When Jesus once came across a blind man, and healed him of blindness (John 9:7), the case suddenly came up to the knowledgeable Pharisees. Interestingly, other than praise God for the miracle, it became a battle of wits for them. "They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath" (vv 14). So, forget about the healing, an accusation was now leveled against him. "Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath" (vv 16).
The Pharisees, along with the Sadducees, were religious scholars who had a "know it all attitude"! They were so taken up by their great knowledge that something so obvious could escape their attention, that the God they claimed to be seeking was in their midst. Frustrated by the once blind man's insistence that he had been healed by Jesus, now they turned the tables on his parents, questioning them if the man had even been blind in the first instance. "Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?” (vv 19).
The parents held their grouud. “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind" (vv 20). When even after all pushing they could not have their way, "Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where he comes from" (vv 28-29).
So much for their great knowledge. To know and find God one only needs the simple faith of children- and hence why heaven belongs to them!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I come to you with childlike faith to know you more and worship you, this I pray in Jesus's name.
Related upcoming events
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04/05/2024 - 05/05/2024 All day“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your good is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua, 1:9 NKJV)
Self doubt is common to any life. Sometimes it can be a result of a challenge one is about to face. After Moses had passed on, Joshua knew he was succeeding a giant to lead the people of Israel to the Promised land. When someone succeeds a great leader there is bound to be comparison, a bit of which might be unfair and disheartening. As we see in this case, the mission was yet to be completed. If anyone, Joshua wouldn’t mind some encouragement.
Joshua would receive the encouragement he needed from God. He was assured that God Himself had chosen him to succeed Moses and take on the uncompleted task. God assured Joshua through His word that He would be with him. Joshua had had enough experiences to know that God’s promise was unfailing. After Moses sent out the twelve spies to explore the land the Israelis were about to invade, he and Caleb were the only two who believed that because of faith in God they could overcome the giants they saw (Numbers 13).
Today, any of us may be facing a task no less overwhelming from our experience as Joshua faced. Perhaps we have taken on a momentous office. We could be setting on a journey of undetermined length. Maybe there is a challenge that has just risen up from nowhere and we seemed all submerged.
The words God gave Joshua, his servant, should be of encouragement to us. Just as God commanded Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed, may we walk in that confidence.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today whatever task I face, I look up to you, and hold on to the words you gave Joshua, not to be afraid or dismayed, for you are with me, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
