January 25, 2017 -FAITH LIKE A CHILD

Day 25 - Exodus 9-18 & Matthew 18:1-20

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  (Matthew 11:1-4 ESV)

“I am the greatest.” Many of us immediately think of Mohammad Ali and his declaration of his dominance of heavyweight boxing. He backed up those words impressively in the boxing ring.

Jesus provides us a different picture of greatest, one that is the opposite of earthly greatness. His  intension is to engender humility in His followers. His disciples then and now are in great need of this reminder.

A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.  (Luke 22:24 ESV) 

Jesus hits them with the clear message that a simple trusting child is greater than they are.

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” 

Jesus is calling us to turn from our narcissistic notions of grandeur and live our lives humbly for Him. It is in genuine Christian humility that God sees “greatness.” In other words, greatness comes from humbly and sincerely repenting of our sins and relying entirely on the Lord for forgiveness, eternal life, and life on this earth as well.

♬ Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.
        Naked come to Thee for dress; Helpless look to Thee for grace;
        Foul I to the fountain fly; Wash me Savior, or I die.
(The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #761 v. 3)

Christian humility comes from knowing that almighty God has chosen you to be His precious, blood-bought, baptized, forgiven, heaven-bound and gifted child.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your great love that has accepted the death of Jesus as payment for my sins. You truly are the greatest! Please help me to humbly live a life that will  help others also repent and believe in Jesus as their Savior. In His saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf