30th Mar 26 | 13:54
Studies by Book
Luke 18 15-17 TO RECEIVE THE KINGDOM OF GOD AS A LITTLE CHILD 03 Kingdom principles from the child
📖 Luke 18:15-17
25Sep2020 - *Kingdom principles from the child* - _Luke 18:15-17_ - TO RECEIVE THE KINGDOM OF GOD AS A LITTLE CHILD 3 – Bible reading: _Psalm 131:1-3_
_Luke 18:16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God._
We see here that our Lord is speaking to the disciples and teaching them. He wanted the disciples (us!), to internalise the learning of nurturing children in Christ. The reason being, we must nurture children in Christ for their growth and we also nurture children for the benefit to society as a whole.
The place of conversion is at the place of humility, which we learn from children. _Matthew 18:3-4 and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. (4) Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven._
Not only is conversion at the place of humility, but the kingdom life itself is also understood at the place of humility, which we learn from children. This is why, he who humbles himself as a child, will be great in God’s kingdom.
What do we learn from children that pertain to life in God’s kingdom? _I Peter 2:2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,_
Newborn babes desire milk in no uncertain terms. The caregiver’s life revolves around the appetite and periodicity of the newborn's consumption of milk. The Lord is our caregiver and He is waiting to feed us with His word. Imagine, an infant not being interested in milk or consumes very little milk. Will not the caregiver be deeply anxious? The Lord is deeply concerned for us when we are not having a desire for the milk of His word. Will we not grow up with grave anomalies?
The other precious learning from children, in relation to the kingdom of God, is to be free from malice. _I Corinthians 14:20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature._
Children need to be given understanding, in all aspects of life, as they grow. This is the responsibility, beginning with parents, and includes society as a whole. Being free from malice is a precious lesson that we learn from children. Children are refreshingly free from the baggage that we adults carry, against one another.
It is indeed delightful to see that the Lord is not only teaching us kingdom principles but He has kept amongst us kingdom models, children. Our responsibility in nurturing children is to give them understanding and to also ensure that they continue to carry the kingdom values that they have inbuilt within them.
Children also teach us hope and trust in God. _Psalm 131:1-3 A Song of Ascents. Of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, Nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too profound for me. (2) Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me. (3) O Israel, hope in the LORD From this time forth and forever._
The picture of a weaned child, nestled in her mother’s embrace, is the experience of God’s kingdom that our Lord desires for us to internalise. That is life in His kingdom. We are quieted in the Lord.
_Psalm 146:5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God, Jeremiah 17:7-8 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. (8) For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit._
*Thought to ponder*
```Is the experience of being nestled in God’s embrace, yours?```