"The Edge" features creative perspectives and reflections associated with the subject matter presented on the Current Lesson page.

Baby Steps

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14 NIV)

 

"Let the little children come to me," He says, with all their unrestrained eagerness, their genuine sincerity, and their complete trust in the only one who is able and willing to meet their every need.  Managing to make it through the sleeplessness of a second newborn's first few months, I can once again rest in the boundless love for a child.  Yet with the passage of time (and many ounces of milk)  I awaken all the more to the pure milk of God's word and His perfect exhortation to exemplify a child's faith.  Once again I see the wonder in these little eyes, speaking volumes of returned adoration, inherent humility, and unquestionable dependence on the one who is able (or so she perceives) and is most certainly willing, to try and meet her every need.  What an example to follow!  When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor.  (James 4:10 NLT)  May my adoration be pure and exuberant; may I sincerely and humbly come unto my Father; may He see eyes filled with wonder and awe as I look up to Him in trust and bow down before him in complete submission and dependence.  And may the learning never cease!  As my two-year-old learns "May I" and "Please" instead of "I want, I want, I want...", and as my new baby eventually learns to take her first steps, may I also learn right along with these precious girls and together, may we all "grow up" into little children!    

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"  He called a little child and had him stand among them.  And he said: "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.  And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me." (Matthew 18:1-5 NIV)

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Notes

1. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible: New International Version.
   © Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
2. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.