“…they were bringing children to Jesus so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God BELONGS TO SUCH AS THESE. “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” And HE TOOK THEM IN HIS ARMS and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.” (Mark 10:13-16)
When Jesus said, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them” He was reaching out to a segment of society that was thought to be insignificant in that day.
Jesus does not say that Heaven belongs to people such as adults, but rather the children. What is the difference between children and adults? To answer this question we can look at the status of children within biblical and modern society. Children enter into the world needing plenty of care and instruction. They are not independent, but rather TOTALLY DEPENDENT upon parents or caretakers. We are taught to be totally dependent upon God, “Trust in the LORD with ALL YOUR HEART And DO NOT LEAN on your own understanding. In ALL YOUR WAYS acknowledge Him, And He will make your PATHS (our walk through this life) STRAIGHT.” (Pro. 3:5-6)
“O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me…You made ALL the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for MAKING ME so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. YOU WATCHED ME as I was BEING FORMED in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE WAS RECORDED IN YOUR BOOK. EVERY MOMENT was LAID OUT before a single day had passed. HOW PRECIOUS are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!” (Psalms 139:1,13-17) The Lord has a perfect plan for us but it’s UP TO US if we follow it or not. We can do what we desire or we can do what HE DESIRES. Just ask Him!!!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham