Today’s Reading:
Luke 18:15-17
“Mark this: unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.”
(Luke 18:1)
From that short but powerful passage above that portrays the kingdom of God, Jesus and the disciples have different perspectives about children. The disciples saw them as hindrances or insignificant to Jesus’ ministry but the statement of Jesus is so powerful and significant. Jesus said:
“…unless you receive the revelation of the kingdom realm the same way a little child receives it, you will never be able to enter in.”
“…if you don’t receive the kingdom as a child would, you won’t enter it at all.” (The Voice)
“… unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you will never get in.”
Jesus’ statement was and is forever valid. One would have expected Jesus to say that kingdom matters do not concern the children but the reverse is the case. For one to enter the kingdom of God the bottom line is one must be childlike and not childish. Jesus said for one to enter the kingdom of God one thing is paramount and that is taking it the way children would. The question one will ask now is how will the children take or see the kingdom of God.
One, children see or take things hook line and sinker; this can be likened to unquestionable confidence or faith in God. Unless one has that kind of faith that believes God “Sheepishly”, following Him even when you don’t understand, such person cannot enter the kingdom of God. Even when you cannot trace him still trust him, when you don’t understand him you are still expected to stand, that is the kind of faith children portray. Two, children forget wrongs done to them by each other. They don’t keep grudges or malice, rather they let go. An individual who wants to enter the kingdom of God must let go of any wrongs done to him or her.
Thirdly, children don’t segregate, they play with everybody irrespective of culture or background. For anyone to enter God’s kingdom such must be open-minded and never see a tribe as holier than others or see a tribe as outcast since Jesus died for the whole world. Do you want to enter God’s kingdom, then take it as children would.
JAMES ALADE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
In any area I have taken God’s kingdom in my own way have mercy on me Lord, in Jesus’ name.
I humble myself and take God’s kingdom as children do, in Jesus’ name.
I will not miss God’s kingdom, in Jesus’ name.
Anything in me that is against God’s kingdom, be uprooted, in Jesus’ name.
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