Like a Child

There's a story in Matthew 18 where someone asks Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus calls a little child to stand among them and says, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." I've heard this many times before but this morning it struck me in a different way as I reflected on my relationship with my son, Isaac. He's currently in an attachment phase where he will just incessantly repeat "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy" until I come and play with him. He does not worry about self-image or material things (Matthew 6:25-34)- he just simply wants to spend time with his dad. I hope to develop this type of humility.

The disciples had to humble themselves in order to follow Jesus. They left their jobs, family, comfort, and security. In one sense, all of those earthly things were replaced with the divine. They had a new assignment, with a family of faith, in the comfort of the Good Shepherd and the security of a Savior. Sounds like a good trade. But to truly embrace this type of change requires a transformed perspective (Romans 12:2). Do I trust God enough to obey what He tells me to do? In Matthew 10, Jesus sends out the twelve disciples to minister in different towns and tells them not to take gold, silver, or copper- not even a bag. When we moved to Redding, we had enough stuff to fill an entire house and we still sometimes struggle with worry about how we will survive. "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!" I have a lot to learn from Isaac...

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure." Luke 10:21

Isaac's favorite hobby: Playing the drums