Kids, Sheep, and Parties

Daily Reading: Matthew 18

Scripture Focus: Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18.3)

Devotional Thought: What does greatness in the Kingdom look like?  Jesus surprised his friends and foes alike when he said that greatness looks an awful lot like vulnerability and dependence – for that is just what a child is.  He goes on to say that we must be very careful how we treat the most vulnerable among us.  To mistreat a child will bring a wrath greater than being tied to a boulder and thrown into the ocean.  That’s pretty serious!

But, Jesus is not satisfied with simply not hurting a child or treating them neutrally.  He insists on being proactive in seeking their blessing.  He told his disciples that we need to reach “children” – both in age and in spiritual life – with his love.

Too many of us think that the Church is about us.  Well, it is in a way, but it’s not about us being cuddled and coddled.  Rather, it’s about us doing the Father’s will, seeking the lost and bringing them home.  Are we willing to shoulder the burden of evangelism for the Father’s sheep?  Are we willing to leave the comfort of our church friends and rub shoulders with the lost sheep of the world?  Are we willing to put our shoulders to the plow and do everything we can to make disciples of those lost sheep we find?

That’s what will make our Father happy!  Jesus said, “In the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15.7).  Are you doing everything you can to make sure that there's a party in heaven?

Prayer: Lord, help me to do all that I can to make your heart and all of heaven rejoice.  Help me to bring lost souls to you.  Amen!

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 88.1-5

1 O LORD, God of my salvation; I cry out day and night before you.

2 Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry!

3 For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.

4 I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am a man who has no strength,

5 like one set loose among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, like those whom you remember no more, for they are cut off from your hand.