Let the Little Children Come to Me
Becky was in third grade and exhibited a zeal for the Lord. She was "on fire" for Him. Becky loved reading Bible stories and sharing her urgency for others to know Jesus. Additionally, she had a sophisticated writing for an eight year old. She wrote eloquent poems about her love for Jesus while her prayers were passionate and heartfelt. Becky spoke openly about Jesus at school and wanted everyone to know Him. One day after school she came bounding into our house, threw down her backpack, barely able to squeeze the words out of her mouth before a tear floated down her cheek. " Mom, there's a girl in my class and she doesn't have a Bible! Can you believe it? Can I give her one of our Bibles?" A few weeks later, Becky started a Bible club right on the playground at recess. Becky loved Jesus, plain and simple and wanted everyone to experience what she had - a relationship where she could express anything at all to Him and she knew He would love her no matter what happened.
As I ponder those precious, tender moments so many years ago, I am reminded of the Bible verse in Matthew 19:14 (NIV) " Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Jesus lets us know that these little ones are important in His kingdom; that they belong. He commands all of us to have that same "child-like" faith a little third grade girl demonstrated; uninhibited, without reservation, humble faith. "Truly I tell you , unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3 (NIV).
There seems to be a point in our lives when we are afraid to share our beliefs and our voice becomes inhibited by the world. We lose our confidence and fear rejection sometimes even by our own family members. Later that same year, we celebrated my Dad's birthday and as we were headed out the door, Becky shouted back, " Hey Grandpa how old are you?" Dad looked proudly back at her and boasted, " I'm 72 !" Becky looked him straight in the eye and shouted " you better hurry up and ask Jesus in your heart." Becky had planted seeds and years later Dad did die as a Christian; making it possible for all of us to reunite again. It's not surprising that Jesus wants us to come to Him as a child, not afraid to talk about him at school or our workplace, perhaps lead a Bible study, or even hand someone a Bible.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing the little children unto you. Thank you for showing us how important they are to you, so much that you want us to change and have those same qualities. Remind me Lord as I work and play to come to you as a little child, honest, uninhibited, and ready to share you with others!
Bible Verse: Luke 18:16 (NIV) " Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."