Childlike Faith (3/30/04)

Matthew 18:1-4 reads "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."

We are to come to him with childlike faith. But what does that mean? Perhaps all of the following and maybe even more:

1. Verse 4 says to be humble like a child - no pretenses that come with age. So this topic requires us to pray for humility.

2. There are many references in the bible to the followers of Jesus as children of God. God is our Father. Just like a baby trusts in their parents, we are to trust in this perfect parent we have. Yet, if you're at all like me, you occasionally have doubts. Mark 9:17-29 talks of a man who brings his son to Jesus to be healed. When Jesus recognizes that the man has wavering faith, the man replies "I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief". So this week we are praying that our faith and trust continues to become more sure.

3. When we are "born again" we are to literally be just that - born again. We are to shed the old ways and learn brand new ways. We aren't just supposed to take in this new revelation and assimilate it with all of our past knowledge. We are to learn all over again - in the world but not of the world. Our God has great mysteries he wants to reveal to us. Matthew 11:25 says "At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children."

So this Wednesday, we are praying that our faith be childlike. That our faith is humble, certain, and built upon Jesus (not colored by our worldly knowledge).

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob