April 16

Joshua 13:1-14:15; Luke 18:1-17; Psalm 85:1-13; Proverbs 13:7-8

"People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have Him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 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. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it'." Luke 18:15-17

I'm sure it comes as no surprise to anyone that a Children's Pastor would select these verses out of today's passage to write about. We can safely assume, based on their actions, that the disciples didn't want children "wasting Jesus' time". After all, in their opinion, He had more important things to do --- perhaps with the grown-ups. But Jesus rebuked them and said not to do anything that would keep children from coming to Him.

The disciples' reactions weren't all that strange. Even today, many people question whether children can understand enough to get saved at an early age. But the beauty of the gospel is it's so simple a child absolutely can understand it. It's the adults who add all the rules and make it so complicated...

Children haven't been calloused by the world. Their hearts are trusting and they are ready to believe. The secularists haven't had time to poison them with arguments that contradict and ridicule a Creator God. It's not a struggle for them to let Jesus be in charge of their life - they welcome Him with open arms. The earlier a foundation of faith is established in their life, the less likely it is for them to stumble and fall. The time to share the Gospel with boys and girls is while they are still open and willing to listen.

I love the story about the famous American evangelist, Dwight L. Moody. He returned home from a church meeting one night and was asked if anybody got saved. "Yes," he replied, "Two and a half were saved."

"Two adults and a child?" asked the questioner.

"No, two children and an adult," replied Rev. Moody. Three souls were saved and two and a half lives. The children who came to Christ had their whole lives to serve and live for Him. The adult only had a part of his life to follow Jesus.

We should place a high priority on helping children find Jesus. At the same time, we must also remember Christ's warning to us. We need to have that same innocent, trusting, surrendering faith of a child in order for US to receive the kingdom of God!

God bless you!
Pastor Susan

P.S. If you've forgotten what it's like to be a child, make yourself available in the perfect place to remember...your church's Children's Department!