07/23/2018
Is studying the Bible and theology something that you do so that you can mine the truth from it? Do you read in order to gain an understanding of God’s embedded secrets? Are you seeking the title of “Bible Scholar?” If this is you let me encourage you to continue your studies, but remember to approach them in childlike fashion. Bring the heart and wonder of a child to the effort. Because God reveals his hidden wisdom to only the children of faith... the childlike.
“At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.”
Matthew 11:25-26 ESV
A few years ago I was at the Virginia Military Institute to visit my son, and one of my daughters and her two young children had come with my wife and me. One morning at the hotel we were getting dressed to go to the campus, and I was tasked with watching the kids while the two ladies finished dressing. My grandchildren were full of energy and running around the room, so I called them to me, set them on my knees, and began to tell them the story of “Little Sorrel” the war horse ridden by General Stonewall Jackson (who taught there prior to the Civil War). Within a few minutes they were enthralled and their gaze was fixed upon me. When at last I finished the story they asked some wonderfully insightful questions, and then begged me to tell the story again. Later that day we visited the VMI museum, and saw Little Sorrel, or at least his skin that is now stuffed and standing as a full sized horse there. They were amazed, and saw far more in that display than most who visited it.
When I had told them my story they approached it like the children they were, and in doing so they allowed me to reveal to them a fullness that the few words on the placard in front of the display could ever reveal. In their minds they understood not only the facts, but felt the emotion behind this horse’s life. They received an understanding of this cold lifeless display that brought it to life in them.
This is how God wishes us to approach Him, and His Word... ready to receive from Him more than simple facts can reveal, and with the hearts and minds of children He wishes to bring Himself to life in incredible fashion. Andrew Murray put this into words when he wrote...
“We must train ourselves in the habit of childlike simplicity and openness of mind and heart. Our first concern must be to wait on the Father to reveal to us the hidden mystery of its power in the inner life. With this disposition, we exercise the childlike spirit that receives the kingdom without doubt or question.” - Andrew Murray
Do you come to the Lord like a child? Do you bring with you an openness of heart and mind when you sit at the feet of Jesus, or do you pit yourself against Him like the Pharisees and Scribes who thought they could somehow know more than Him because they had read and studied the facts? Jesus wishes us to come like children, and hear the truth and wisdom in scripture that only He can give us. He wants our undivided attention, and childlike infatuation... He wants an untainted desire to trust and believe, and to hang on His every word.
“But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."”
Luke 18:16-17 ESV
We can’t just read the stories, commandments, and other facts contained in the Bible in hope that it will be enough to reveal God to us. He doesn’t want us to simply know what He is, but He wants to thrill us with the insight into why He is, and who He is... then at last we will get to sit on His knees, because He will have called us to where He is.
Pure scholars will argue against this simplistic application of the child to a study they feel that they are mentally mastering, and they will debate the merits of their own understanding, but every parent, and anyone who has ever reached out to the heart of a child while teaching them, knows the true wisdom in God’s desire for the children and the childlike to come to Him... their innocence opens them to Him completely.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Are you ready to sit like a child at the feet of Jesus, and with eyes fixed on Him, hear Him speak of the mystery and hidden truth behind the Word of God?
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the serious study of your Word that we undertake, but I thank you more Holy Father for the childlike innocence and openness that you wish to see in us; because it is when we approach you like children that you can truly reveal yourself to us. I thank you Lord for teaching us your innermost secrets, and doing so within our heart of hearts. This is our desire for you as it mingles with love, and this is the child, reborn in us, that strips away the pride and dependence we have in our own devices. In this, our infatuation, find fertile soil for your presence, and in our absorption in all that is you find a willingness to know you that Is untainted by preconception. Reveal yourself to us Merciful Father, and give us the unbridled innocence of a child with which to receive you. Let the heart of a child receive the wisdom of the Father, that none might boast of themselves. Holy, Holy, Holy, art thou, the God of all children and the champion of the childlike.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
Rich Forbes