S - "Some people brought their children to Jesus so he could bless them by placing his hands on them. But his followers told the people to stop bothering him. When Jesus saw this, he became angry and said, “Let the children come to me! Don’t try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God. I promise you that you cannot get into God’s kingdom, unless you accept it the way a child does.” Then Jesus took the children in his arms and blessed them by placing his hands on them." Mark 10:13-16 TJB
O - In this rather famous event in the life of Jesus, he identifies those who belong to God's kingdom and also how that kingdom is entered. It is the same for both entry and belonging. Childlikeness is the only way. In fact, we are promised by Jesus that without this reality actively working in our lives we "cannot get into God's kingdom"; and we cannot and will not belong. Those people (regardless of age, station in life, religion and ethnicity) who enter and belong are childlike. Any who try to stop or prevent childlike entry and belonging anger him. He says "Don't try to stop them."
A - Jesus is the most childlike human being to live on earth and he insists we join him in childlikeness. Religion and the "grown-up world" in which we live do not believe him about this reality. It thinks that accurate theology and right religious practice are the keys to entering and belonging. The result is the conflict which angers Jesus. The world tries to stop all childlike thinking and living. It insists on worldly wisdom and maturity. God insists on the opposite. If I am going to enter and belong I must accept, pursue and engage childlike living in all circumstances. Grownups are taught to rely on themselves; what they know, what they have and what they can do. Children rely on another for direction, protection and provision. Childlikeness is not naiveté, that is childish. Rather it is consistent reliance on another, on God and not ourselves. In my thinking and living am I childlike? Am I living a self-reliant life or one relying on Him? In my interface with others am I hindering their childlikeness by words and actions of "maturity"? Jesus says: "Blessed are those people who rely only on God. They belong to his kingdom."
P - Our Father in heaven,
Your kingdom is near and you give all people the dignity of choice. I accept the instruction and assignment Jesus gives regarding your kingdom. It is in my heart to enter and to belong and so I choose to learn the ways of childlike living. Thank you for sending Jesus to clarify your person and purposes.
Steve
