To Love a Child

Matthew 18:2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them (ESV)

    I wonder what was running through the disciples mind when Jesus responded to this question by calling a child over to them. We know the view the disciples had on children, we get insight into this view in Matthew 19:13, then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people. The disciples held the view that children were the least among the kingdom of heaven, at least one could draw that conclusion after they read this verse. I know for myself I can often feel the same way, that ministry can only take place on a level of a higher understanding then what a child is capable of understanding. I am then reminded of how smart a child actually is.
    That at the earlier years of life they are able to retain information far more effectively then an adult. They are daily learning new things, experience new sights, smells, and so on. This is the perfect time to introduce the gospel to a child, the love of God. How much more will they remember that love. Having sensed that love at a young age is crucial for a kid. As they face the world, they will always have that truth, that foundation to stand upon. They will be faced with the lusts of the world, commonly mistaken for love. But God is no one to be compared with. His love compared to the fleeting lusts of this world is no match. That’s why showing this love, living and walking it out for the children to see will impact them for life. For when they are tempted in the flesh they might be satisfied for a moment, but then they will remember this is no match to the love of God. They only thing that can satisfy for an eternity. Taking this look at the precious life of a child, I am compelled and overjoyed to expand the love of God to the little ones of this world. For truly they are the next generation, they are the ones who will make a difference, who will impact the kingdom the most, the legacy must be passed on.
    We know what we stand on is eternal life, a foundation that is no match for the shaken grounds of this earth. Christ’s love extended to me as a child is what brought me back to the truth in my ladder years. A decade of searching for a meaning of life, and yet nothing satisfied. Only this life poured out, surrendered have I found meaning and satisfaction that does not fade. Its more then an emotional high, it’s a faith that is by fact. Fact of a personal testimony and the inherent word of God, the most historically accurate and documented text known to man this day.

Application:
I will pray for the kids we minister to weekly and apply myself during the time we have with them.