The Children Want Jesus

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

(Mark 10:13-16 KJV)

I have returned for the summer to where I served as a pastor for eighteen years. It is has been a pleasure and an eye-opener as I see young people who are strong (though at times they may feel weak) and loving adults. 

I was there when many were baptized, confirmed, and when some were married. I was there when they received their first communion. Oh! The joy I saw in so many faces as they received the Lord into themselves! They had waited for that day. They had studied for it and most of all they longed to receive the body and blood Jesus. They longed to have Jesus!

Their presence also reminds me that I am not at all young any more! They have  also aged since I first met them. They have their own families now; their own children; and, some of their children are grown children now. A couple of them even have gray hairs of their own! It gives me great pleasure to see how they have grown since I first met them. They are awesome children of God. They have grown in ways that I could only hope for them. 

Most of these young people not only learned by participating in Sunday School as children; but, helped to lead worship as they led prayers of the church, read the readings, were acoloytes, served at breakfasts and dinners. Some even participated in worship by preaching; sometimes alone; sometimes in dialogues or skits with other youth. When I first got the youth to do more than lighting the candles, I did get a little negative feed back. There were a few who said they liked seeing children in church; but, they thought that children should be silent and not heard and not really seen much, either. I am glad that my councils approved of the youth participating most fully in worship. I see the results today. It gives me great pleasure to know these young people.

Please, do not neglect to allow the children to serve the Lord in any way they might wish. If they do not have the capability at the present time; take the time to train them. Do not keep the children away. Let them learn what Jesus has done for them; how much he loves them; and, will be with them in their life's journey. Do not be a stumblingblock to them. 

And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

                                                                                  (Matt 18:2-6)

Those little children want Jesus! Do not stand between them and him!

God's Peace - Pr. J