CHILD-LIKE

Friday, March 20, 2020

Scripture

Luke 18:15-17

People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Comments & Reflections

When we lived in Colorado, we would frequently do family hikes in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Invariably, we would start the trek with lots of energy and enthusiasm. We’d marvel at the beauty of the landscape, and revel in the privilege of being in the midst of it. That would last all of about ½ a mile. Then the newness wore off. Marvel dissolved into complaint. Laughter became labored breath. The journey became a trudge. Yes, we would reach our goal. Yet, struggling to the mountain top was always worth the view…well…almost always.

I think our faith journey can be much the same experience. It starts with excitement, but then it becomes a slog. Our eyes never rise above the trail, and we’ve long stopped enjoying the passing views. We become complacent and maybe even a bit jaded. The journey is more of a chore than a privilege.

This teaching by Jesus reminds us to never lose our sense of wonder when we engage in our faith. Rather than get stuck on the unsolvable mystery of how God works in the world, he encourages us to be like a child! Let imagination and hope and optimism and joy and love rule the day. It doesn’t require us to set aside reality, but rather, to simply look through it and discover the “glory sightings” of God. If children teach us anything about finding it, it is usually in the little things that escape our adult eyesight.

My girls taught me a lot about life and faith during those hikes in the mountains, because it was me who usually started flagging in the first mile. But my spirit was always lifted by their sense of adventure and joy. To use a word that has recently become taboo, their attitude was infectious. It did more than sustain me for the journey, it transformed me.

We are currently in the first mile of a new, but long, journey. Yes, it was kind of fun to have a couple of days of newness, but now the length of the path ahead might give us excuse to drop our eyes, start to grumble, and labor in pain. But Jesus encourages us not give into a world-weary and discontented faith. Have a faith like a child…for we will receive the gift of the Kingdom.

Prayer

Jesus, forgive us for our grumbling and complaining. Remind us of the time when we first met you, and the sense we received of your love and grace. That no matter what lie ahead of us in the journey through life, we were convinced you would get us through it. Retell us again that you have overcome the world. Amen.