“And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” (Mark 9:36-37, ESV)
There are some beautiful pictures in the Bible. Profound moments etched in my mind when Jesus spoke love tangibly. Although He could have simply stated His wisdom and love, He often chose to reveal it through His actions. Jesus not only touched to heal, He touched out of pure and simple love as well.
Mark 9:36-37 shares the sweetest scene of Jesus tenderly taking a child onto His lap as He addresses the disciples’ argument about who was the greatest. Their disagreement might have caused another to be angry or frustrated, but instead Jesus lovingly draws a child into their midst to remind them of His desire for us to approach Him as children and to serve even the least. Jesus affectionately deals with the disciples and the child.
He loves us all – big and small! When we recognize God’s great love for us, we are better equipped to show affection to our children. When we rest in that love, we can offer affection – deserved or not.
Lord, please use us to love our children – display Your love and affection through not only our words, but our actions. And Father, thank you that you love us as passionately and purposefully as you love our children.
“And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets – who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in tow, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated – of whom the world was not worthy – wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.”- Hebrews 11:32-40 {ESV}
Last night my son and I started reading The Hobbit, the main character, Bilbo Baggins, has a reputation for being unadventurous. My son, on the other hand, definitely longs for adventure. I can tell by his choice of books, games, and his hopeful career as a Navy seal. My son wants to be a warrior – he wants to rescue and save people.
These verses remind me that our greatest adventure is living a life of faith! Faith that emboldens us to stand for truth, to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” and “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:11-12). I want my children to be passionate for the Lord. I pray they will be excited about the great adventure God gives us when we live for Him.
Father, please give my children an anticipation of the great adventure that a life of faith provides and an excitement about their life with You – both here and in heaven. I pray that they will willingly and bravely don Your armor (Ephesians 6:10-20) and seek to serve and love You well in whatever adventures You have planned for them!
Written by Sue Birdseye
