30th Mar 26 | 13:54
Studies by Book
Luke 17 1-2 Children and the kingdom of God 10 Humility in children
📖 Luke 17:1-2
18Jun2020 - *Humility in children* - _Luke 17:1-2_ - Bible reading: _Psalm 78:4-8_
_Luke 17:1-2 Then He said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! (2) It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones._
The first lesson that we learn by focussing our attention on children is that we will *internalise a culture of willing to be unnoticed, ignored and overlooked but be focussed on genuinely caring for the vulnerable*.
The second lesson is the *lesson of Trust*. The third is to have a *hunger for God’s word*. The fourth lesson is the *lesson of Growth* and the fifth lesson is that we *should not remain immature but be free from malice*. The sixth lesson to be learnt from children that will make us be a part of His kingdom is *Humility*.
_Matthew 18:4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven._
How do children reveal humility? Here are some of the beautiful ways that I have seen as to how children demonstrate humility.
1. *The child is free of the self*. Children find it easy to mingle with other children, be it from a different background or ethnic group. We, adults, struggle and it is not easy for us to overcome barriers that we have erected against people, in our own minds.
This is a quality that the Lord loves. _Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones_ What is the high and holy dwelling of God? It is with the person, who is of a contrite and humble spirit. The Lord’s prayer is not about being concerned for ourselves, personally but always seen as being part of a community. _Matthew 6:9 In this manner, therefore, pray: *Our Father* in heaven, Hallowed be Your name._
2. *The child finds it easy to ask*. Children do not hesitate to ask and this is a sign of humility.
_II Chronicles 34:27 because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you," says the LORD._ God loves it when we come to Him and ask with brokenness and humility.
3. *What a child gives, no one can refuse* When a child offers us anything, our heart melts and we receive it from a child, with thanks and we bless the child.
_Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise._ God will never despise a contrite heart.
4. *Children hurt much when another child is hurt* - We can see the eyes of a child welling up with tears when he sees another child hurting. This is a wonderful quality of humility in a child. We need to hurt for our people, our nation and the world around us, who are wounded but numb about their situation.
Ezekiel 9:4 and the LORD said to him, "Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it." Eze 22:29-30 The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. (30) So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.
5. Children have the humility to learn and they can be easily taught.
_Numbers 14:31 But your little ones, whom you said would be victims, I will bring in, and they shall know the land which you have despised. Psalm 78:4-8 We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. (5) For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children; (6) That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, (7) That they may set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments; (8) And may not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not set its heart aright, And whose spirit was not faithful to God._
Friends, consider the refreshing and pure qualities of humility that we can imbibe from children. Will you make a decision to truly learn from children?
*Thought to ponder*
```The generation that chooses to ignore its children, is doomed.```