People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
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 JesuShaped 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.
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Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, August 12, 2003
"The messengers [carrying the letter from the apostles and elders in Jerusalem] went at once to Antioch, where they called a general meeting of the..."
"It is through dying to concern for self that we are born to new life with God and others; in such dying and rebirth, we find that life is lent to be spent; and...."
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About This Devotional
Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
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