Tag: Matthew 18:10-14
Children are precious to our Father!
Scripture reading for May 1st: Matthew 18, Psalm 86, Proverbs 24
Matthew 18: 10-14 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father Who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of My Father Who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”
Jesus made it clear to His disciples that children were precious to Him and His Father in heaven. Each child is made in God’s image and has a special place in God’s heart and kingdom. God has given each child at least one angel with access to God’s face. If a sheep is straying away from the shepherd and the safety of the flock, the shepherd goes after it. So too, are God’s shepherds to watch out for straying people who are young in the faith. Jesus emphasized that His Father’s will was that none of the little ones should perish. This teaching is like the honey from the honeycomb, sweet to the taste and like wisdom, nourishing to our souls. Take care of the children! Don’t neglect them! Don’t mistreat them!
Psalm 86:11-12 “Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your Truth; unite my heart to fear Your Name. I give thanks to You, O Lord, with my whole heart, and I will glorify Your Name forever.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this strong Word from Your heart concerning children and those young in faith. As one of Your shepherds and a father and grandfather, I have sought to watch over the children. Help me in my old age to continue to value children as a heritage from You and precious in Your sight. Forgive our nation for its neglect, abuse and misuse of children for selfishness and immorality.
Proverbs 24:13-14 “My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”
That none should perish!
Scripture reading for January 24th: Matthew 18, Psalm 18, Prov. 18
Key Scriptures: Matthew 18:10-14 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of My Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”
Jesus was instructing the disciples about the heart of His Father. He told them to be careful how they treated children and new believers. Each person, child or adult, has angels in heaven who behold the Father’s face. The Father cares for each one and like a shepherd will go search for the lost one until He finds him or her. When the lost is found, rejoicing is the rule on earth and in heaven!
Faith’s confession: Lord, I believe that each person is special to You and You watch over all men. I am available to search for the lost and see them restored. (Action step: If you know a lost person or family member, begin to pray for them and offer yourself as a shepherd that will seek restoration.)
Psalm 18:16-17 “He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.”
God’s concern for children!
Scripture reading for January 24th: Exodus 10-13, Matthew 18
Key Scriptures: Exodus 12:21-22, 26-28 “Then Moses called all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go and select lambs for yourselves according to your clans, and kill the Passover lamb. Take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and touch the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. . . .And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s Passover, for He passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when He struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.'”
God had prepared a plan of salvation for His people. It involved taking an innocent lamb for each household and slaughtering it and catching the blood in a bowl or basin. The head of the house then took some hyssop as a brush and sprinkled or spattered the blood on the lintel and doorposts of their home. This ritual was called the “Passover” because this sign caused the death angel who was taking the lives of the firstborn to ‘pass over’ the marked houses. This ritual would teach children about God’s protective covering through sacrifice. God did not want one of the children to perish.
Matthew 18:10, 14 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. . . . . So it is not the will of My Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your love for little children. Help me to be sensitive to children and teach them about You and Your great love through the blood of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.