Daily Reading: Matthew 18
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 him 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)
Devotional Thought: “How do I get to heaven?” Jesus answers that question when asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” They were concerned with position, power, and prestige. Jesus was concerned with sincerity, submission, and simplicity. So, he told them to become like little children.
How do we become a part of the kingdom of heaven? By taking on the qualities of a child: faith, trust, obedience, and dependence. A child has faith that her parents will do as they say. There is a radical optimism inherent in a child. A child trusts that his parents will provide him with what he needs. There is no thought about how to put food on the table and if the mortgage will be paid. He just trusts his parents to provide these things. A child obeys her parents. OK, I admit this one is a stretch! I was a kid once and I raised three of my own. Obedience is not always immediate or complete. But, the point is – a child knows that obedience is the right thing! And as a child grows in healthy relationship with her parents her obedience becomes fuller. A child depends upon his parents. Independence is not even thought of. (I can’t resist a personal illustration: my granddaughter Avery was concerned about where she would live when she grew up. She told her mommy, “I’m going to live with you!”) A child can’t imagine life apart from his parent’s resources.
Do you have faith in God? Is there a radical optimism? Do you trust God? Even in the darkest of nights, he is there! Do you obey God? Does your obedience reflect a growing maturity in your relationship with him? Do you depend upon God? Heaven’s resources are at your disposal!
Prayer: Father, thank you that you are my Parent and I am your child. I receive your gifts of life and love and light. I live in dependence upon you and trust in your goodness. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 89:40-45
40 You have breached all his walls; you have laid his strongholds in ruins.
41 All who pass by plunder him; he has become the scorn of his neighbors.
42 You have exalted the right hand of his foes; you have made all his enemies rejoice.
43 You have also turned back the edge of his sword, and you have not made him stand in battle.
44 You have made his splendor to cease and cast his throne to the ground.
45 You have cut short the days of his youth; you have covered him with shame. Selah
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