May 4, 2018 - JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN

Day 124 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 39:32-40:16; Psalm 115; Mark 10:13-31)

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. (Mark 10:13-16 ESV)

For some adults, children are unimportant and should be as unobtrusive as possible. The disciples didn't want Jesus to “waste” His time on children. But Jesus did not agree. Jesus loves the little children, ALL THE CHILDREN of the world. “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 

Jesus is talking about ALL children. No matter how old we get, Jesus is telling us that we need to have the simple, trusting faith of a child, faith in the one who truly loves us all.

Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Red and yellow, black and white
They are precious in His sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world
(Author unknown)

What does Jesus do with “children” who trust Him with so completely?  He takes them in His arms and blesses them now and forever.

Lord, thank You for calling me by name on the day of my Baptism. What a blessing it is to be one of Your children. Since You love all children of all ages, please use me to help others to know how precious they are to You. Amen.

Pastor David Paape 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!