BECOME LIKE A CHILD

John 1:10-12 New Living Translation

“He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”

       Jesus of Nazareth came into the world two thousand years ago and the people of the day didn’t have any idea who He was. He came as the Messiah to the Jews and they rejected Him, seeking a warrior king to defeat the Romans. But there were those who did accept Jesus and as a result received something far more important than just knowing Him; they received redemption, freedom from all sin. Their slate was clean. They got a second chance, a do over. The people of the day that realized Jesus was more than ordinary were compelled to follow Him. They were His flock and He was their shepherd. He taught them the things of God and while they may not have understood all that He said to them, they saw the miracles He performed with their own eyes. He was either a liar, a crazy man or He was exactly who He said He was – the Son of God. The people were fascinated by Him as He calmly flowed in and around them speaking of love, peace, mercy and forgiveness.

       I believe the phrase ‘children of God’ is used because we are to exhibit some of the characteristics of little children: wonder, astonishment, trust, belief, love, respect, and faith. The faith children have is simplistic and unquestioning. It’s the type of faith a believer is to have.

         Matthew 18:1-4 NLT About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is         greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”       Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. 3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and        become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

      

       Life can be so simple, yet we make it some complicated. The more things we attach ourselves to the more complex things become. We should consider shedding our attachments and simplify our lives. Keep Christ the main focal point and strive to become as little children with regards to our belief and trust in God.

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible; publisher: Tyndale House.