I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it (v1 15)
What was it about children that Jesus was seemingly idealizing? Children implicitly trust those in authority, like parents (unless of course that trust has been abused). Perhaps Jesus is pointing not so much towards our designation as children so much as he is reinforcing God's character as Father. Unless we come to God as a trusting child comes to a parent - acknowledging God's superiority and our dependence - then we will never taste the kingdom life he invites us into.
I struggled for a number of my teenage years to come to God as my Father. It was not that my dad was a bad example - I had and still have a great relationship with him. It was I think my struggle to understand that my Father accepts me just as I am, with all my sinful blemishes. I labored under the misapprehension that my Father could only welcome me if my life was right and in order. Thank God this is untrue! My Father accepts me for who I am - a sin-stained child of His - and loves me enough to change me day by day into the image of his son. Wow!
Thank you Father that you accept me, love me and embrace me as a precious child. Thank you that your love changes me.
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