And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
—Mark 10:13-14 (KJV)
Unfortunately, humans seem to always try to define our place in the "pecking order" of life. Jesus reminds his disciples that they have to throw away the everyday rules of the pecking order if they are to be part of his Jesus-Shaped Kingdom. He was angry with them because they denied toddlers access to him, apparently because his disciples didn't deem the little ones worthy of their Master's time, energy, and attention. Jesus, as he so often did, turned their common worldly values upside down and reminded them they needed to pay more attention to the character of toddlers than their sense of self-importance. They would never understand God's Kingdom and live like their LORD if they didn't.
Father, thank you for valuing me as your child. Re-awaken my sense of wonder, an attitude of humility, and reverential awe of you as I seek to live for you and your Kingdom! I pray in Jesus' name, and to be transformed to become like him. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Mark 10:13-14 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Unfortunately, humans seem to always try to define our place in the "pecking order" of life. Jesus reminds his disciples that they have to throw away the everyday rules of the pecking order if they are to be part of his Jesus-Shaped Kingdom. He was angry with them because they denied toddlers access to him, apparently because his disciples didn't deem the little ones worthy of their Master's time, energy, and attention. Jesus, as he so often did, turned their common worldly values upside down and reminded them they needed to pay more attention to the character of toddlers than their sense of self-importance. They would never understand God's Kingdom and live like their LORD if they didn't.
My Prayer...
Father, thank you for valuing me as your child. Re-awaken my sense of wonder, an attitude of humility, and reverential awe of you as I seek to live for you and your Kingdom! I pray in Jesus' name, and to be transformed to become like him. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
