03/09/2021
When Jesus speaks a truth to our heart, or God reveals Himself to us by showing us his will for us, how do we receive them? Do we study what they have for us as we try to reconcile it to our existing lives, or do we accept it just as it is delivered... in all of its wonder, awe, and even mystery? How sad it is that so many believers have lost the open receptiveness that faith demands, and have allowed their need for “mature” understanding to overcome the trust, amazement, and acceptance of a child in their spiritual lives.
“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.””
Mark 10:15 ESV
I have watched believers who approached their faith with the hearts of children as they were being criticized by the church for being overcome by their joy at having received a simple, and loving, glimpse of God, or for readily accepting a sign that they felt was from the Lord. I have seen little ones in faith chastised for proposing an inspired interpretation of scripture that didn’t coincide with the established scholarly commentaries. It is as if all those that would be touched by Christ have already been touched, that every revelation of the Holy Spirit has been received, and that there is no further mystery in God’s Word beyond what has already been revealed.
“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.”
Mark 10:13 ESV
When we read Mark 10:13-16 regarding children being allowed to come to Jesus, do we protect our scholarly, and “mature”, adherence to established spiritual interpretation by seeing this story to be referring only to actual children, or do we understand it at a much different level as a revelation regarding the child that should be circumcised in each of us as we approach our faith. Are we so entrenched in our understanding of the gospel that our own reasoning has become a hindrance to our relationship with God, and the mysterious and awesome nature of His Word?
“But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”
Mark 10:14 ESV
Back in the late 1960s it was common to see doorways where the old wooden or steel door had been removed, and a curtain of beads or cloth strips had been hung in its place. To go from room to room there was no key required you just parted the hanging strands of beads and walked through. The sound of music was not muffled by an old solid door, and the smell of incense flowed easily from one room to the next. Our faith and access to Jesus should be much like this as our ability to approach Him remains open, and His way to come to us is unfettered. Yet, like the open doorways of the 1960s, there is resistance today from the older more “mature” in religion, because it makes those inside the house feel uncomfortable, and vulnerable to the poor in faith, thieves, and hoodlums... it requires us to trust, have faith, and to lean on God’s protection. For the kingdom of heaven to belong to us we must truly become like children before God, and childlike in our faith in Jesus. If we can do this then He will take us into his arms, lay His hands upon us, and bless us...
“And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”
Mark 10:16 ESV
So are we ready to take the doors down that keep the world from approaching our faith, and us from taking the gospel into the midst of all those who need to hear? Are we ready to allow God and Jesus free access to us, and the mystery and awe that surrounds them to waft over us? Are we ready to open our hearts and minds like children to them as scripture is revealed to us?
Think on this today.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for adopting us as your children and making us heirs and joint heirs with your Son Jesus. Thank you for the child in each of us that hasn’t built barriers to your Word, and still sees you in all of your glory, splendor, and awe. Thank you for each mystery you reveal to us as we immerse ourselves in your will, Jesus abides in us, and your Holy Spirit moves over us to give us understanding. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who desires free and unfettered access to our hearts and minds as children. Praised be your name as we see you, and are overcome by your presence. Help us Father to tear down the doors we have built to shield ourselves from the world, but have since found to equally withhold us from delivering your Word and the gospel of Jesus to those hungry for faith that reside there. Strengthen our trust in you Father, and open our hearts, as true children, to your Word, and your will for us. You are bold Holy Father, and approach us in visions, dreams, miracles, wonders, and signs. You give us prophesy, and send us into the world as your children of faith to deliver your message of love. Bless us Father, and wash us pure, and clean with the blood of your only begotten Son Jesus. Judge us worthy and innocent in our childlike ways of faith, and as we return from accomplishing your will, welcome us home for eternity in your house and at your table. Praised be your name Father, now, and forevermore, and hear us as we gleefully worship you in laughter, awe, and with the unfettered love of children.
“and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Matthew 18:3-6 ESV
Rich Forbes