Good morning! Today is fairly chilly so far. I know we are going to have winter in here somewhere but the last two days I've allowed myself to go barefoot some and I've seen dandelions popping up.
Today we are finishing chapter 18. I'm a little slow reading the bible, but I don't learn as much if I speed through it like some of the other books I read. There are many many lessons in the bible. I don't know that I will learn them all in my lifetime, but i want to learn as much as possible.
Its always harder for me when I know Jesus is heading toward Jerusalem. I know what happens and I know why he did it --so that you and I could have eternal life if we obey the gospel. It's the greatest love story ever.
Sorry, getting thoughtful there. Back to the reading in Luke. As stated earlier, we are finishing chapter 18, verses 26 through 43. I only bring out parts of the reading, and being human, I may make a mistake. I encourage you to read it for yourself.
After hearing Jesus tell them that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven, someone asked, Who can be saved? Jesus' answer, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God (v 27) makes me wonder if the person who asked that had begun to doubt that anyone at all could be saved. While we aren't anywhere near perfect though we try to be, God can help us.
In verses 29 and 30 Jesus reassured his followers, and us, that those who give up homes and family will receive so much more in heaven. This doesn't mean that we are to drop everything and everyone around us. But some will leave loved ones behind to go into the mission field abroad or here at home. The desire to reach and teach others, sometimes at the risk of their lives because of where they choose to spread God's message, is stronger than the desire to have a typical job and a typical home with the cable tv and the electronic whozits and whatzits that keep us busy. Some get told, in one way or another, to choose between God and family.
Jesus took his twelve disciples and told them they were going to Jerusalem, and the writings of the prophets about Christ would be fulfilled. He told them that he would be beaten and killed, but he would rise again on the third day. They did not understand this. During that time, I probably wouldn't have understood either.
They came near to Jericho and a blind beggar was on the side of the road. He heard the multitude passing by and asked what it was all about. When he was told that Jesus was going by, he called out Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me (v38). Others told him to keep quiet, but he was not going to be deterred. He got even louder. Thou son of David, have mercy on me!
The man was not going to give up. He knew who Jesus was and he had faith Jesus could help him. Jesus came to him and asked what he wanted. The man replied he wanted his sight. Jesus told him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
43. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him (Jesus), glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
Immediately he received his sight! I love that. The man knew Jesus could give him his sight. He asked in faith, and was rewarded for it. And those who saw the miracle performed and those who later saw that the beggar could see gave praise to God. That was the purpose of miracles, to glorify God, and I think, to show that Jesus was the one that God had promised.
Have a great day.
Showing posts with label chapter 18. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chapter 18. Show all posts
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
A Morning Cup of Tea: "Sell All that Thou Hast"
Good Friday morning to you! Hope you rested well last night. Today we are reading verses 15-30 of the eighteenth chapter of Luke.
The first few verses of this section always makes me smile. Jesus is still talking with the people, and they begin to bring their children to him. The disciples think that Jesus has no time for such foolishness so they rebuke the people and try to stop it, but Jesus says "Suffer the little children to come unto me." (v 16) Let the little children come.
Jesus knows his time is growing short and still there is much to yet he doesn't turn away the young ones. Why? Because of their innocence! They know nothing of holding a grudge, or wanting to hurt another person. They don't care about riches, or fame, or any of the things that tend to make us adults stumble. They have innocent, loving hearts, willing to trust that Jesus loves them. Jesus said that unless we are like the children, we won't enter the gates of heaven.
Children trust that their parents or guardians will love them and take care of them. They want to do what is right and make their parents happy. We adults think we have to do it all ourselves, have things done our way. We hold onto the things that matter little in the long run and let the important things go as if they mean nothing. Take for example the rich young ruler who wanted to follow Jesus.
The ruler asked Jesus what needed to be done to enter heaven. Jesus told him: Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not lie. Honor your father and mother. The man replied that he had followed those things since he was a child. Jesus replied that he lacked just one thing: sell all you have and give to the poor. Do that and you'll have treasure in heaven. Do it and come follow me. The man went away sorrowfully because he had great riches and wasn't ready to give them up.
Jesus said in verse 25 that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. I think its not so much the wealth that is the problem. It's wanting to hold onto it.
In today's world money is a great divider. Most likely was back then as well. But today politicians use money, or the lack thereof, as a way to divide the people. Some insist that the rich have too much money and should be forced to share. The people who have very little money tend to agree: Rich people should be taxed. They should give up some of their money so that we all can have money. Notice though, that the ones who insist that the rich need to part with their money, usually aren't that willing to give up their own. The politicians aren't counting themselves as part of "the rich." No one seems to notice that little detail though. But its not just the rich who hang on to what they have. Some of us who don't have much in the way of the green stuff still have our possessions that we hold tightly to: food, material items we've bought, families.
I love my books and my crafting supplies. Money is tight so I usually buy books on sale, as in from the clearance bins or yard sales. I can find some great books that way. My art supplies, on sale, on clearance, an item here or there when I get a chance. If something gets damaged or lost, I get a little upset. I'm getting better at that. After all, that stuff can be replaced or I'll find something else that catches my fancy on down the line. Family though. I hold a lot tighter to those who are dear to me. I don't like giving them up. But if a loved one tries to sway me from keeping my eye on Jesus or tells me if I continue in a Christian life I can't have anything to do with them anymore, I'm going to be sad. I would like to think that I have the faith and the strength to let that person go. I dont know for sure though. I hope I am never faced with that choice. Others have had to make that choice. It's not always easy, but when we give up something or someone, God has something better in mind for us. This world is temporary. The next one isnt.
Have a great day.
The first few verses of this section always makes me smile. Jesus is still talking with the people, and they begin to bring their children to him. The disciples think that Jesus has no time for such foolishness so they rebuke the people and try to stop it, but Jesus says "Suffer the little children to come unto me." (v 16) Let the little children come.
Jesus knows his time is growing short and still there is much to yet he doesn't turn away the young ones. Why? Because of their innocence! They know nothing of holding a grudge, or wanting to hurt another person. They don't care about riches, or fame, or any of the things that tend to make us adults stumble. They have innocent, loving hearts, willing to trust that Jesus loves them. Jesus said that unless we are like the children, we won't enter the gates of heaven.
Children trust that their parents or guardians will love them and take care of them. They want to do what is right and make their parents happy. We adults think we have to do it all ourselves, have things done our way. We hold onto the things that matter little in the long run and let the important things go as if they mean nothing. Take for example the rich young ruler who wanted to follow Jesus.
The ruler asked Jesus what needed to be done to enter heaven. Jesus told him: Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not lie. Honor your father and mother. The man replied that he had followed those things since he was a child. Jesus replied that he lacked just one thing: sell all you have and give to the poor. Do that and you'll have treasure in heaven. Do it and come follow me. The man went away sorrowfully because he had great riches and wasn't ready to give them up.
Jesus said in verse 25 that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. I think its not so much the wealth that is the problem. It's wanting to hold onto it.
In today's world money is a great divider. Most likely was back then as well. But today politicians use money, or the lack thereof, as a way to divide the people. Some insist that the rich have too much money and should be forced to share. The people who have very little money tend to agree: Rich people should be taxed. They should give up some of their money so that we all can have money. Notice though, that the ones who insist that the rich need to part with their money, usually aren't that willing to give up their own. The politicians aren't counting themselves as part of "the rich." No one seems to notice that little detail though. But its not just the rich who hang on to what they have. Some of us who don't have much in the way of the green stuff still have our possessions that we hold tightly to: food, material items we've bought, families.
I love my books and my crafting supplies. Money is tight so I usually buy books on sale, as in from the clearance bins or yard sales. I can find some great books that way. My art supplies, on sale, on clearance, an item here or there when I get a chance. If something gets damaged or lost, I get a little upset. I'm getting better at that. After all, that stuff can be replaced or I'll find something else that catches my fancy on down the line. Family though. I hold a lot tighter to those who are dear to me. I don't like giving them up. But if a loved one tries to sway me from keeping my eye on Jesus or tells me if I continue in a Christian life I can't have anything to do with them anymore, I'm going to be sad. I would like to think that I have the faith and the strength to let that person go. I dont know for sure though. I hope I am never faced with that choice. Others have had to make that choice. It's not always easy, but when we give up something or someone, God has something better in mind for us. This world is temporary. The next one isnt.
Have a great day.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
A Morning Cup of Tea: At Least I'm Not...
Good morning! Please excuse my yawning. It's not the company, be assured. Its the fact that I woke up on husband time (his alarm woke me up, then J was awake, along with the cats) this morning and instead of getting on up and getting the day started I foolishly tried to go back to sleep. Didn't happen. First shift can be such fun, let me tell you. That's okay though. A more relaxed schedule is on tap for the next several days. In the meantime I have a cat asleep on my arm as I type and J has let me know he's ready for breakfast. As long as I talk to him, I have a few minutes to write so I'll hush with the gabbing and get today's reading started. : )
Today we are reading Luke 18:9-14. How many of us has ever heard heard herself or someone else say, "Well at least I'm not a murder (or an adulterer, liar, cheat, or other sin that is "worse" than what we do)? We may not actually say those words but its hard not to think it sometimes when we think about the hierarchy of sin. That's human speak, by the way. As humans we tend to like to put things in perspective. Oh, I only fibbed and told Margaret that dress looked good on her. That's only a little white lie. It's not like I cheated on my taxes or killed somebody!
Jesus told a parable about a Pharisee and a publican, or tax collector. Tax collector's had a bad rep even then. Both these men went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee was loud and proud in his prayer, telling God all the things he did, such as tithing of everything he possessed. "God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican." (V 11)
Can't you just see him saying this with a sneer on his face? Almost as if he hated to even say the word publican.
The publican, however, stood in a corner and wouldn't even lift his eyes heavenward. He thumped himself on the chest and said God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
14. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
To God, sin is sin. We all sin, even after baptism. We are not better than anyone else even though we try not to sin. Even a murderer can be forgiven and be a Godly person if he is repentant. Look at King David. He went after another man's wife, and deliberately placed him in the front lines during a battle, knowing he would be killed, so he could marry the woman. That's murder. Yet God considered him a man after God's own heart.
How wonderful to know that when we mess up, if we are repentant we can be forgiven.
Have a great day.
Today we are reading Luke 18:9-14. How many of us has ever heard heard herself or someone else say, "Well at least I'm not a murder (or an adulterer, liar, cheat, or other sin that is "worse" than what we do)? We may not actually say those words but its hard not to think it sometimes when we think about the hierarchy of sin. That's human speak, by the way. As humans we tend to like to put things in perspective. Oh, I only fibbed and told Margaret that dress looked good on her. That's only a little white lie. It's not like I cheated on my taxes or killed somebody!
Jesus told a parable about a Pharisee and a publican, or tax collector. Tax collector's had a bad rep even then. Both these men went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee was loud and proud in his prayer, telling God all the things he did, such as tithing of everything he possessed. "God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican." (V 11)
Can't you just see him saying this with a sneer on his face? Almost as if he hated to even say the word publican.
The publican, however, stood in a corner and wouldn't even lift his eyes heavenward. He thumped himself on the chest and said God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
14. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
To God, sin is sin. We all sin, even after baptism. We are not better than anyone else even though we try not to sin. Even a murderer can be forgiven and be a Godly person if he is repentant. Look at King David. He went after another man's wife, and deliberately placed him in the front lines during a battle, knowing he would be killed, so he could marry the woman. That's murder. Yet God considered him a man after God's own heart.
How wonderful to know that when we mess up, if we are repentant we can be forgiven.
Have a great day.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
A Morning Cup of Tea: Continue in Faith
Good morning! I'm wrapped in a blanket listening to my son this AM. He's happy and slightly bored, with hungry thrown in. Therefore, today's reading is going to be fairly short and sweet.
I began reading chapter 18 of Luke and decided to split it into separate lessons. When I try to go through a whole chapter that has several lessons all at once I tend to fall into the and then.. and then.. and also... rut. Not pretty. It also, in my opinion, glosses over too much of what we could be learning.
Today we are focusing on verses 1-8. Jesus wants us to pray and not give up. True, the answer is sometimes no or wait awhile instead of yes, but don't give up. Jesus taught this by way of the parable of the judge and the widow. The judge did not believe in God, nor did he care much what his fellow man thought. The widow lived in the judge's city, and she came to him, asking him to avenge her of her adversary. The judge at first would not do anything. But she kept coming and kept persisting, until he finally realized she wasn't going to give up until she got what what she wanted . He granted her request.
We should remember that God's time in answering prayer isn't always our time. While we want something now, we may not always get what we are looking for instantaneously. Continue on in prayer. There will be an answer. Don't give up.
In the meantime, it's time to answer my sweet son's petition for breakfast. :) Have a great day.
I began reading chapter 18 of Luke and decided to split it into separate lessons. When I try to go through a whole chapter that has several lessons all at once I tend to fall into the and then.. and then.. and also... rut. Not pretty. It also, in my opinion, glosses over too much of what we could be learning.
Today we are focusing on verses 1-8. Jesus wants us to pray and not give up. True, the answer is sometimes no or wait awhile instead of yes, but don't give up. Jesus taught this by way of the parable of the judge and the widow. The judge did not believe in God, nor did he care much what his fellow man thought. The widow lived in the judge's city, and she came to him, asking him to avenge her of her adversary. The judge at first would not do anything. But she kept coming and kept persisting, until he finally realized she wasn't going to give up until she got what what she wanted . He granted her request.
We should remember that God's time in answering prayer isn't always our time. While we want something now, we may not always get what we are looking for instantaneously. Continue on in prayer. There will be an answer. Don't give up.
In the meantime, it's time to answer my sweet son's petition for breakfast. :) Have a great day.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea : Forgiveness
Our reading today is Matthew 18: 21-35
In verse 21 Peter asked Jesus, how often should we forgive when a brother sins against me? Seven times? Jesus answered, not seven times, but seventy times seven. That's a lot of times of forgiving. I am reminded of a Veggie Tales video called the Grapes of Math, which discussed this subject. One of the characters asked how much is 70 times 7 and the little girl grape piped up "four hundred and ninety!" The point is, continually forgive.
Jesus then told the parable of the servant who owed his master ten thousand talents. His master wanted his money back but the servant could not pay.Of course the master ordered him and his family sold so he could get his money. But the servant pleaded with him for more time so that he could repay. The master had compassion on him, and forgave the debt.
Later, the servant saw a fellow servant who owed him a hundred pence. He asked the man to repay him, but the man could not pay. He too asked for more time, but the first servant insisted on sending the man to prison until the debt could be paid. His fellow servants saw this and reported back to the master. The master was angry because he had forgiven this man his debt, and he did not have the same compassion for someone else. He was delivered to the tormenters till the debt could be repaid.
In verse 35 Jesus says: So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Is it always easy to forgive? No. Speaking from experience, it's not. Our human instinct is to want retribution. But while some things should be punished, we should forgive anyway because the bible tells us if we choose not to forgive others, God may choose not to forgive our trespasses. It's our choice.
Living with hatred and unforgiveness in one's heart does nothing to the one who wronged us. We pay the price on that one. It eats at the soul and makes one bitter. You've seen people like that. Sister I'mRight who sits in the corner with a frown on her face because back in 1976 Brother Made a Mistake said something that upset Sister I'mRight. He has asked forgiveness and has gone on with life, but she just wont give up that grudge.
We know that when we choose not to forgive its usually for something that was a bit more serious than that. But forgiveness can be achieved. Sometimes you have to pray to God to help you, and sometimes that means asking God to change YOUR heart. I've been there. If the person could be prosecuted for what he did after all this time I'd want to see it happen, but I also know that his childhood wasn't the greatest and he has many issues I hope he deals with before his time here on earth is done. I hope that someone may reach him so that he may know God's forgiveness and salvation. It's taken me a long, long time to get to that point. I still struggle with it at times. But I know I can be in the same room with him and be a Christian. It was when I chose to begin to forgive him that a lot of my anger and depression began to lift. When I held on to anger and resentment for what he did, he controlled my life. I didn't like that. I much prefer that I be guided by God's Word rather than hatred of a man who did something a long time ago and is no longer in my life.
In verse 21 Peter asked Jesus, how often should we forgive when a brother sins against me? Seven times? Jesus answered, not seven times, but seventy times seven. That's a lot of times of forgiving. I am reminded of a Veggie Tales video called the Grapes of Math, which discussed this subject. One of the characters asked how much is 70 times 7 and the little girl grape piped up "four hundred and ninety!" The point is, continually forgive.
Jesus then told the parable of the servant who owed his master ten thousand talents. His master wanted his money back but the servant could not pay.Of course the master ordered him and his family sold so he could get his money. But the servant pleaded with him for more time so that he could repay. The master had compassion on him, and forgave the debt.
Later, the servant saw a fellow servant who owed him a hundred pence. He asked the man to repay him, but the man could not pay. He too asked for more time, but the first servant insisted on sending the man to prison until the debt could be paid. His fellow servants saw this and reported back to the master. The master was angry because he had forgiven this man his debt, and he did not have the same compassion for someone else. He was delivered to the tormenters till the debt could be repaid.
In verse 35 Jesus says: So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Is it always easy to forgive? No. Speaking from experience, it's not. Our human instinct is to want retribution. But while some things should be punished, we should forgive anyway because the bible tells us if we choose not to forgive others, God may choose not to forgive our trespasses. It's our choice.
Living with hatred and unforgiveness in one's heart does nothing to the one who wronged us. We pay the price on that one. It eats at the soul and makes one bitter. You've seen people like that. Sister I'mRight who sits in the corner with a frown on her face because back in 1976 Brother Made a Mistake said something that upset Sister I'mRight. He has asked forgiveness and has gone on with life, but she just wont give up that grudge.
We know that when we choose not to forgive its usually for something that was a bit more serious than that. But forgiveness can be achieved. Sometimes you have to pray to God to help you, and sometimes that means asking God to change YOUR heart. I've been there. If the person could be prosecuted for what he did after all this time I'd want to see it happen, but I also know that his childhood wasn't the greatest and he has many issues I hope he deals with before his time here on earth is done. I hope that someone may reach him so that he may know God's forgiveness and salvation. It's taken me a long, long time to get to that point. I still struggle with it at times. But I know I can be in the same room with him and be a Christian. It was when I chose to begin to forgive him that a lot of my anger and depression began to lift. When I held on to anger and resentment for what he did, he controlled my life. I didn't like that. I much prefer that I be guided by God's Word rather than hatred of a man who did something a long time ago and is no longer in my life.
Monday, August 29, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea :Matthew 18: 11 - 20
Good morning! I'm a little anxious today. Hopefully my nephew will have results back from his ultrasound last week.
Today we find Jesus talking about lost sheep. In verses 12 through 14 he tells the parable of the lost sheep. A man had one hundred sheep. One went astray so the man left the ninety nine to find the one sheep that was lost. The ones that aren't lost are in the fold. They are safe. When the lost sheep is found, the man rejoices! That's the way God is with us. He doesn't want any of us to be lost. He gives us the decision, however.
The next few verses deal with church authority. If someone did wrong, you should go to them privately and in love. Discuss the problem with the person. If he will not listen, come back with one or two others so there are witnesses to what is going on. If this does not help, the matter needs to be brought before the church.
Jesus said if two of you shall agree, then whatever you ask shall be given you. (v 19) Where two or three are gathered together, Jesus said he is there in the midst of them. (v 20)
I have heard verse 20 misconstrued as a reason to miss worshiping with the saints (the church). While Jesus is there with them when they are in agreement with one another, wasn't he speaking of church authority and discipline? And in prayer, if you are in agreement, whatever is asked will be given? Yup, I'm asking questions again. I think it could apply to all of the above actually, but in terms of deliberately missing worship with others (as in no one is sick, the weather hasn't prevented you, or some other reason) I can't help but think of things missed when you decide to stay home.
You miss the fellowship of other Christians. I feel so much better when I am with others who know and love me. You miss being able to teach others. Even if you are not actively teaching a class , your presence teaches someone. We teach others through singing, talking, just being there because we all have things that we are going through. You miss the opportunity to ask for prayer and to pray for others. And others miss you.
Take time to care for one another. If a brother or sister is missing, take the time to call, email, or drop a note in the mail. While ultimately it's up to them to make the decision to come back or not, it helps to know someone cared enough to come looking for them.
Today we find Jesus talking about lost sheep. In verses 12 through 14 he tells the parable of the lost sheep. A man had one hundred sheep. One went astray so the man left the ninety nine to find the one sheep that was lost. The ones that aren't lost are in the fold. They are safe. When the lost sheep is found, the man rejoices! That's the way God is with us. He doesn't want any of us to be lost. He gives us the decision, however.
The next few verses deal with church authority. If someone did wrong, you should go to them privately and in love. Discuss the problem with the person. If he will not listen, come back with one or two others so there are witnesses to what is going on. If this does not help, the matter needs to be brought before the church.
Jesus said if two of you shall agree, then whatever you ask shall be given you. (v 19) Where two or three are gathered together, Jesus said he is there in the midst of them. (v 20)
I have heard verse 20 misconstrued as a reason to miss worshiping with the saints (the church). While Jesus is there with them when they are in agreement with one another, wasn't he speaking of church authority and discipline? And in prayer, if you are in agreement, whatever is asked will be given? Yup, I'm asking questions again. I think it could apply to all of the above actually, but in terms of deliberately missing worship with others (as in no one is sick, the weather hasn't prevented you, or some other reason) I can't help but think of things missed when you decide to stay home.
You miss the fellowship of other Christians. I feel so much better when I am with others who know and love me. You miss being able to teach others. Even if you are not actively teaching a class , your presence teaches someone. We teach others through singing, talking, just being there because we all have things that we are going through. You miss the opportunity to ask for prayer and to pray for others. And others miss you.
Take time to care for one another. If a brother or sister is missing, take the time to call, email, or drop a note in the mail. While ultimately it's up to them to make the decision to come back or not, it helps to know someone cared enough to come looking for them.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea: Become as Little Children
Today's reading is Matthew 18: 1-10
The disciples asked Jesus, Who is the greatest in heaven? Jesus set a small child in front of them.
3. 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.
4. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Why a child? Why wouldn't he want us to be like adults? Let's look at little children. They are innocent. Yes, depending on their age they sometimes get into trouble, but when they realize it, they are truly sorry for it. Their belief is almost unshakable.
When someone harms a child, people become very angry and want justice done. We see that all too often in the news. So should it be for those who place stumbling blocks in front of babes in Christ, those whose faith is new or weak. Things are going to happen in this world that test our strength, but there are those who would deliberately try and shake the faith of young or weak Christians. Those who are older in the faith should be there to encourage and teach the younger. We should watch our own words and actions so that we don't cause a younger one to stumble. Just as our children follow our example, so too do the young in Christ.
Jesus said watch yourself! If your eye causes you to fall, pluck it out! (v8-10). I think it would be very extreme measures to take out an eye or cut off a hand literally, but in your life, if something or someone is causing us to sin, we should amputate it from our lives. If you for example have a problem with pornography, sometimes it is better not to have a computer in the house, where access to such filth is too easy. If your friends encourage you to go drinking, perhaps it's time to find new friends.
We must be like little children--blameless, pure, innocent.
The disciples asked Jesus, Who is the greatest in heaven? Jesus set a small child in front of them.
3. 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.
4. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Why a child? Why wouldn't he want us to be like adults? Let's look at little children. They are innocent. Yes, depending on their age they sometimes get into trouble, but when they realize it, they are truly sorry for it. Their belief is almost unshakable.
When someone harms a child, people become very angry and want justice done. We see that all too often in the news. So should it be for those who place stumbling blocks in front of babes in Christ, those whose faith is new or weak. Things are going to happen in this world that test our strength, but there are those who would deliberately try and shake the faith of young or weak Christians. Those who are older in the faith should be there to encourage and teach the younger. We should watch our own words and actions so that we don't cause a younger one to stumble. Just as our children follow our example, so too do the young in Christ.
Jesus said watch yourself! If your eye causes you to fall, pluck it out! (v8-10). I think it would be very extreme measures to take out an eye or cut off a hand literally, but in your life, if something or someone is causing us to sin, we should amputate it from our lives. If you for example have a problem with pornography, sometimes it is better not to have a computer in the house, where access to such filth is too easy. If your friends encourage you to go drinking, perhaps it's time to find new friends.
We must be like little children--blameless, pure, innocent.
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