Tag: little child
The desire for greatness!
Scripture reading for March 15th: Luke 9
Key scriptures for over-comers: Luke 9:46-48 “An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside Him. Then He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For he who is least among you all–he is the greatest.””
The image of God in us gives us a desire for being known and achieving greatness. We know that we have potential and are called to rule. This desire can be something that leads us to competition and jealousy. When worked out through the world’s ways it can be very destructive. But when led by the Spirit, godly people can achieve true greatness through humble service!
Jesus showed His disciples that the way to true greatness was found in kind treatment of children. The child that Jesus used represented the weak, vulnerable, and impressionable of society. His disciples were to welcome them and treat them with kindness and compassion. As they humbly served the least, they would achieve true ‘greatness’ in the eyes of God.
Observations for over-comers: Beware of jealousy and competing for power or position, even in the church culture. Humbly serve the least and God will exalt you! “Should you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not. For I will bring disaster on all people,” declares the Lord, “but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.” (Jeremiah 45:5)
Protect the precious children!
Scripture reading for January 26th: Matthew 18
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Matthew 18:3-6 “And He said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” “
Jesus used a little child as an example of the kind of heart and spirit that each person must have to enter the kingdom of heaven. Becoming great in God’s eyes involves simple trust, like a little child. When we honor and welcome children, Jesus said we are in fact welcoming Him! This is a powerful statement that should cause us to have a high view of children.
On the contrary, Jesus warned that if anyone caused a child to sin that that person would be held to the highest accountability and stand in a place of severe judgment! Our culture today often exposes children to the most horrible sins. Child sexual abuse and sexual slavery is rampant and the use of drugs and alcohol have exposed countless children to sin and violence. Television and video games have opened the hearts of children to sin and rebellion and demon possession. This will bring terrible judgment on those called to protect and teach children the ways of God.
Observations for over-comers: Be especially aware of children in your life and pray for them. Keep a child-like attitude in your relationship with God. “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done. . . .Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget about His deeds but would keep His commands.” (Psalm 78:4,7)
Disciples arguing about position!
Scripture reading for February 20th: Mark 9
Peter, James, and John got to go up on the mountain and see Jesus transfigured and meet with Moses and Elijah in their glorified state. While up there, the other disciples tried to cast a demon out of a child and failed. Jesus rebuked them and finished the exorcism. Jesus continued their instruction concerning His coming death and resurrection. None of them understood and they were afraid to question Jesus about this.
Instead, on the way to Capernaum, they got into an argument about who was the greatest! Jesus was aware that they were arguing and called them all sit down for more instruction. “He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever welcomes on of these little children in My name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but the One who sent Me.” (Mark 9:36-37) These disciples had argued among themselves and now admitted that they had rebuked a man who was driving out demons in Jesus’ name because he wasn’t one of them! Jesus wanted to get their attention with the little child as an object lesson.
“And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to b e thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.” (Mark 9:42) There is no room for religious pride among the followers of Jesus. There will be many different people that may not be in our group who love Jesus. Rebuking them or hindering them because of feeling superior could send us down the wrong path! Check out your heart! “Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” Mark 9:50