CHILDREN ARE IMPORTANT IN THE EYES OF THE LORD
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Then he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.”
Luke 9:48 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
There is a lot to chew on in today’s passage. We begin by understanding the context of Jesus’ statement. The disciples were arguing about which of them was the greatest. Jesus knew their thoughts and He brings a little child to His side. Then Jesus tells them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me.”
Jesus used the child as an example of greatness in the kingdom of God. He made this clear by saying, “Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.”
A child is helpless, dependent, and without status. If we want to be great in God’s kingdom, we must recognize our talents, gifts, and abilities are not enough. We are helpless to accomplish in our power or resources what God wants to do in and through us. We must depend on the Holy Spirit to empower us and work through us.
Another thought from this passage is the importance that Jesus placed on children. While others in His society saw children as a nuisance Jesus welcomed them. He understood the importance of investing in a new generation. As followers of Jesus, we should be investing our time, talent, and treasure in the next generation.
An often-quoted research study noted that the single greatest factor determining whether a child succeeds in life or messes up is the presence and acceptance of a caring adult in his or her life. The amazing discovery was that it doesn't have to be a parent! It just must be someone who offers love, acceptance, and godly guidance.
We could be the very people that change the future of our world by investing in the children of our world. We could give them acceptance and encouragement. We could invest our time and talent in listening and sharing with the children in our world.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit show me how my life can make an impact on the next generation. Help me to value the next generation. Help me to show them Your love. Help me to see Your work in their lives.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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