By David Ryser
In Matthew 18:1, Jesus’ disciples
came to Him asking Him to settle a dispute.
They wanted to know how to be great in the Kingdom. Jesus called a little child and set him in
their midst (18:2). Then He told them
that they had to become like little children to enter the Kingdom (18:3). And they had to humble themselves like a
little child to become great in the Kingdom (18:4).
Did this settle the dispute? Not according to Luke 22:24.
What is it about little children
that makes them great in their fathers’ eyes?
There are a number of characteristics of little children that fit into
this category. One is that they know
they are totally dependent upon their parents.
And they have no pride.
What parent has not experienced a
day when their child exhibited less than ideal behavior? In fact, the child may have been a little rat
all day. The parent may have reached for
the telephone book in an attempt to contact an exorcist. It was a rough day.
So what happened at suppertime?
When the child was served, what did
the child do? Did the child pull up to
the table with a contrite look on his face and say, “Father, I’ve been a bad
child today. I am unworthy to partake of
the food you have provided for me. I am
ashamed to eat.”
Certainly not!
That little rascal takes his seat
at the table and piles the food onto his plate.
Then he begins to devour his food like a hunger-crazed timber wolf. No apology.
No remorse. No offer to pay for the
food. (Or the dinnerware. Or the furniture. Or the utilities. Or anything else.) Does this child have no pride?
Bingo!
Little children have no pride. They partake of the things you provide for
them without regard for their behavior.
They instinctively know that they are entitled to your provision just
because they are part of the family.
Somehow they know that receiving
the things you have provided for them is based upon your goodness. And not theirs.
Do we know this about God?
And this goes to the heart of the
disciples’ dispute…and Jesus’ answer.
Whether we realize it or not, we
are totally dependent upon God.
Everything we are and everything we have is a gift from God. The very air we breathe is a gift from God. Our next heartbeat is dependent upon the
benevolence of God.
There is nothing we can give to God
that was not His to begin with. So what
can we do for God that will bless Him?
What can we give to God that will touch His heart?
Consider again the small child.
Imagine your young child comes to
you asking for some money to buy paper and crayons. You give the money to the child. The child buys a tablet and a box of crayons. Then the child takes a piece of paper and his
crayons, and draws a picture. He brings
the picture to you and says, “I drew this picture for you. I love you, daddy/mommy!”
What does that do to your
heart? How do you react?
Do you say, “Oh for crying out
loud! I don’t want that! I paid for that paper and those crayons! You haven’t given me anything! And it’s not even a good picture!”?
Of course not.
Your heart swells with joy. Tears come to your eyes. You say, “Thank you for the picture! I love you, too, sweetheart!” You receive the picture as you would a
priceless treasure. You display it for everyone
to see…not because it is great art, but because it is an expression of your
precious child’s love for you.
Is God any different?
Is there anything we can do for God
that He cannot do for Himself? Is there
anything we can give to God that He cannot give to Himself?
God does not make us love Him. True intimacy requires the willing participation of another. He will not force us to love Him.
If God is going to receive this love, it
must come from us.
We were created in the image of God
to be in a love relationship with Him.
The Bible is full of examples that illustrate this truth. But it is perhaps expressed no clearer than
in Genesis 3:9. Adam has sinned and is
hiding from the presence of God.
Fellowship with God has been broken.
How will God react? What will He say?
“Where are you?” This is not a geography examination. God knows where Adam is…and what he is
wearing. This is the cry of a Father’s
heart when fellowship with a beloved child has been broken.
No lecture…not yet. Just the cry of a broken heart.
So let’s enter and live in God’s
kingdom as little children. Let’s live
confidently in total dependency upon God and His goodness. Let’s receive His love and provision, and
give Him the only thing we can give to Him--our love.
And when we obey and serve Him, let
it be because we are loved…and because we love.
Responses to this article are
welcomed. You may contact the author at drdave1545@yahoo.com
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