Wednesday, November 29, 2017

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

In Matthew 18:1-4, we read: “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.’”

“How can I be a little child? Most of the time you tell me to grow up and act my age.” Grandfather chuckled.

“Timmy, when I say grow up, I’m saying don’t be childish. There’s a difference in childlike and childish.”


“Childish like when I got mad with Sam and came home?” Grandfather nodded.

“Timmy, remember when the Hill's adopted their little boy? Mrs. Hill  had never seen him. Questions flooded her mind. How if he didn’t like her? She told me the doubts fled when his little arms went around her neck.”

“He loves his mom and dad.”

“You’re right. Why is that so?”

“I guess he trusts them. He knows they love him, too.”

“And that’s what the Lord Jesus offers us. The love and security in His love. Once we realize how much He loves us, we trust Him.”

Timmy tilted his head. “It’s hard to trust Him when I’ve never seen him.” He paused. “Oh, like when the Hill’s got their son? They’d never seen him but they loved him?”

“Exactly. They asked nothing of him. Just loved and nurtured him.”

Kingdom Thinking. I’m grateful the Lord Jesus gives pictures of His great love. I was terrified our son wouldn’t love me. But at the airport, seeing me for the first time, he stretched out his arms, came to me. Now when troubles come, I choose to remember the Lord loves me the same way. He promises never to leave nor forsake me and He loves me with an everlasting love. He offers the same to you. Won’t you trust Him?