The Touch God, part 22

Warriors Arise: August 5, 2021

Mark 10:13-14 (NKJV) Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 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.

Don't you love the underlined part? Jesus said to them, “Let the little children come to Me..." There is something about being around children that is energizing! They can bring tremendous joy and delightful laughter. They can bring a new perspective, one we left behind when we became an adult. They can remind of us the innocence we need to guard and the responsibility to train them in the truth. They can be the reasons we want to be better and do better. We want to leave a solid legacy for them to build upon.

Then I look at myself. I turned 50 last week. I am no spring chicken and by my age, I am not a child. However, years ago I was reading this and was a little disappointment when I could remember any verse where God tells the old people to come to Him or the adults to come to Him. It was a feeling of missing it, missing this valuable part of the relationship God wants to have with us. Then He led me to a couple of verses that I embrace today.

John 13:33-35 (NKJV ) Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you. 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 21:5-6 (NKJV) Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”

They answered Him, “No.” 6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.

1 John 3:18 (NKJV) My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NKJV) Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

• Why would Jesus call grown men children?

• Why would John call those he taught, children?

• Why would Paul tell the people of Emphasis to be as dear children?

Children are innocent, they are pliable, they are teachable.

Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

If parents aren't training their children in the ways of the Lord then they do not have a "home base" to return to when they are older. The Bile tells us to teach our children as we are going throughout our day. We are to take the opportunity as things come up to teach them. There are times when teach from a classroom just won't do, you have got to teach in the moment, while on the field trip. I do not mean go on a field trip. I am saying, you can sit down and teach your children truths from the Bible and what God has taught you but there are times when the teachable moment comes in the midst of being out and about. I am referring that to the field trip. There are times when I am teaching my children of the ways of God when we are sitting down. I have a new understanding I want to share with them. Countless times I have finished writing this blog and then go out and share it with them. They may be receptive to the new understanding of God's word but when we out in our daily lives, situations arise and I have to show them how to apply what God's word says to the situation before us.

Jesus address the disciples with a command, "Let the little children come to me." Maybe He is tired of trying to get through to the adults or just wants His energy to be renewed by spending some time with the children or He wants to have His purpose strengthened, "I am about to do something that will save your life and we will all be together with My Father" (His resolve to die for them so He creates the door to heaven when He arises as the conquerer over hell). Doesn't really matter why Jesus wanted the children to be permitted to come to Him, it could have been all three reasons and more. Jesus wanted them to be around Him, He wanted to be approachable. He wanted them to know HIs Father is approachable. You are permitted to come before My Father anytime. He will not turn you away. Come as you are, come as a child. Be ready to receive, be ready to learn, be ready to respond.

When you read Scripture and see where Jesus and others are referencing adults as children it is generally becuase their hearts need to be receptive as a child's. They need to be open and ready to receive. They need to be teachable and ready to respond. Why would the disciples who had been up all night trying to catch fish throw their net one more time. It doesn't even make sense as to why they would think someone on shore would be able to see the fishing coming past the boat on the other side. But Jesus called them children and they responded willinging without hesitation, without discussion. There is this crossing over to adulthood. Being a teenager. It can be extremely difficult, You want to start calling all the shots. You want to make your own decisions. We tend to think having the opportunity to make the decisions is being an adult; however, it is making the right decisions that makes you an adult. It isn't a number, it is a level of character, it is willing to be able to make wise decisions because you honor those who can teach you and follow the Father's voice. They couldn't see Jesus, they heard Jesus. They did not recognize the man on the shore calling to them but they recognized a miracle when they were a part of one. Then they knew who had given the instruction. Oddly, when Jesus told them to throw their nets over the other side of the boat they were not offended that He addressed them as children. This is grown men He was talking to and several of them were skilled fishermen. Nowadays we can get all offended if someone calls a child and they may mean it in a way that is a putdown. This would be the wrong way of trying to encourage someone to be teaching or "grow up". Growing up is taking responsibility while being teachable is staying childlike. It is possible to grow up and remain as a child. Remain as a child, meaning you are teachable, taking instruction well, and delighted in the process and grow up by being responsible for your actions or inactions.

Be childlike, reminds me of the jingle from eh Toys R Us commercials, "I don't wanna grow up, I'm a Toys R Us kid..." They were trying to embrace the child in every adult. I want to encourage you to embrace that mentality in your relationship with God. He is your Father and you are His child.

Father, I come ready to be in Your presence, to sit on Your lap and the listen to You. I come ready to share my day and all the happenings. I know You care about all I do and have seen me in action. Thank You for listening to me share about my day, the drama and the adventure, the struggles and the times I have picked myself up and started over. I enjoy coming into Your presence to be strengthened by Your wisdom, direction, and insight. You always instruct me in the ways that are right and will work out for my best. I will listen because I trust You. I trust Your ways. I know You delight when I share about the happenings of my day and I look to You to share wisdom for my tomorrow. Thank You for loving me as Your child in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy Hand

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