JESUS SPEAKING
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me” (Mathew 18: 1-5.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Humility is the acceptance of helplessness. The plan for salvation through Jesus Christ is not something that can be earned; it is something that must be received. A child inherently realizes their own helplessness, and so they look to their parents for the fulfillment of their fundamental needs. The disciples didn’t realize that those who were the most helpless, also were the ones who honored their God the most. Those who are lowly, push themselves down, and lift up the one who provides for them. So humility is the result of honoring God, and lowliness is the best way to know and love God, who is all powerful. Children are inherently accepting and trusting of their parent’s provision; Jesus used this illustration to say something about how human beings need to relate to God; He is the provider, and his true children accept his provision.
In nature, birds are very curious animals. Their young sit in nests, and the parents go out to hunt. They bring food back to their young. No chick would know how to provide for itself; most can’t even fly. They instinctively understand and know their own limitations, and in turn, they understand the value of their parents. They wait eagerly as their parents venture out to catch fish, or worms, which they eat, and when they return they regurgitate the food in to the mouths of their chirping young. The chicks stay in the nest, and receive their nourishment as little children.
Today, God has sent his son to us, that we might eat eternal food. Jesus says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” This eternal food is always filling. We are in this world, which is our nest for a short time, and those who venture out to achieve righteousness for themselves find only death. We have to receive salvation directly as a gift from God. We must instinctively understand how powerless we are to become right with God outside of His provision. How have you accepted God’s message? Have you accepted it as a gift and not a wage? Have you become helpless enough to understand that God provides you with all that you need? Make yourself lowly, and be grateful that God has made a way for you to know Him, and you will have a relationship with Him. Become as a child, and you will know and walk in relationship with the Living God.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before You and we lift You up. You are such an amazing, powerful, and awesome God. You are Holy and righteous and we thank You for all that You have done for us. We ask and pray that You help us to be humble, and we ask that You lead us in to a lowliness of heart; help us to seek Your righteousness and not our own. Feed us with Your Spiritual food, and make us like little children. We love You lord, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 