Weekly Reflection – A Child

When I was a child, I would be so excited when my dad would come home from work.

I would run to him and hang around him as much as I could. I remember sitting on his lap in the evenings, perfectly content in his embrace. As a child, I felt safe and secure. I was fortunate to have had a good father but my time as a child was just a small window.

As I grew older, I became more independent and things changed. In time, I no longer ran to my dad and I stopped seeking him out like I once did. I think that is why the scriptures tell us we must be like a child in order to receive the kingdom of God. A child that will run to Him, seek Him, and is completely dependent, secure, and content to rest in His loving arms. It is a sweet vision.

When was the last time you ran to the LORD and were content just to sit in His presence? Are you humble in your heart? Are you well rested?

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. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Mark 10: 14-16

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put in the midst of them 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.” Matthew 18: 1-4