Yesterday my daughter, Shannon, stopped by and dropped off my grandson Isaac. He’s just 16 months old. She put him down on the floor on the other side of the room as I sat in my big red recliner reading the news. He immediately got up with a huge smile and ran over to me with this look in his eyes that said, “Grandpa, I want to sit with you”. Wow, what did I do to deserve this little boy’s love? He brightens my day and warms my heart and indeed, I must brighten his day and warm his heart!
Mark 10:13-16 (TNIV)
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
All my grandchildren need (or “all your children need”) is a loving look and a gentle touch to feel loved and secure. They don’t need any deep intellectual understanding, just love, in order to trust completely.
No wonder Jesus was upset with the disciples for trying to turn away little children. They must have thought that Jesus didn’t have time for kids. They are supposed to seen and not heard, right? It’s interesting that this is the only place in the Gospels where Jesus directs such a strong anger at the disciples.
I see a very natural progression from Jesus teachings on the permanence of marriage and now this, love and blessing little children. Indeed, when a marriage is broken in divorce, children LOSE TRUST! It’s inevitable.
Jesus tells us that, “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.”
As an adult considering for the first Christian faith, as an adult considering the love of God in their life, indeed, the love that Jesus has for them………. there can be many obstacles. As adults, we have felt pain that few children have felt. We carry grief’s that children rarely have. We question so many things and have to understand truth from an intellectual point of view.
Aren’t you glad that your children or grandchildren don’t have these things weighing them down before they decide to love and trust you? Ohhhhh, I relish the love of my children and grandchildren!
“So grandpa, why should I love you? There are so many others out there. Why should I love YOU? And why should I trust you? What’s going to happen if I crawl over to your chair? Will you pick me up or just leave me their standing all alone? I’m afraid of being hurt. You won’t drop me, will you? How do I know that you are my grandpa? People say you are…..but how do I ‘know’? How do I know that I know? You no grandpa, I’m doing okay standing right here on the other side of the room. Is it really worth the effort to run over to you?” Oh, if my grandsons looked at me this way my heart would ache.
“Isaac, you don’t understand. I love you more than you will ever know! I want so much for you. I was there when you were born. I loved you before you were born and I see your past, present and future all in one when I look into your eyes. I would die for you in an instant because I love you that much! I have so many things to show you and teach you. I want to see you grow. I want to see every moment and every victory. I know that as you grow, life will have its challenges, but I sooooo much want to be there with you in those times to love and encourage you! Come across the room and into my arms. There’s a warm place there! We’ll look at family pictures together on the computer. We’ll get on the floor and play games. Give me a high five Isaac! I love you son!”
I think that for my children and grandchildren to be in my presence…..it is much like it is be in the kingdom of God, indeed the kingdom of heaven in God’s presence….yes….in the presence of Jesus. It’s just a good place to be.
You know, it makes me well up deep inside when I think of the love that I, my children and my grandchildren share together. God, indeed, our Father, feels the same way. Jesus wants us to come to Him as children, in humility, to receive His blessing as a gift….simply in trust and love. When we choose to be in His presence…..we enter into that kingdom. C’mon…let’s go……..woo-woo! We’re going to grandpa’s house!