I loved what Lane wrote yesterday about children. It is so true and we're told to be like children. In today's chapter children are brought up again. This time talking about Jesus blessing them. Think about the picture, Jesus hugging the children loving them and He wants us to be like children. I don't know if you've seen these pictures but here's one of them and a link to the rest:
I also like the reminder of the young rich ruler and the importance not to trust in our riches, but be willing to give it all away. It's so easy to trust in the things we see like the paycheck or the trust fund. But God wants us to trust Him alone.
Matthew 19
ReplyDelete24 I can guarantee again that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
I saw a photo once that brought this clear to me. Two tall sandstone rock pillars came together with a small opening where they V'd at the bottom. All the bundles, burdens, would have to be removed ~*~ all of the encumbrances to be able to enter in.
28 Jesus said to them, “I can guarantee this truth: When the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne in the world to come, you, my followers, will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Hmm. I hadn't thought about this; interesting which apostle/disciple over each tribe?
Another great chapter! And yes, 14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
ReplyDeleteAnother of my very favorites. This was especially a favorite of mine when I was a child. I loved looking at pictures of Jesus with children around him. It made me feel like I was special to Him.
Lane, I like what you said about "bundles and burdens". That really IS what possession can become if we have too much. And, in this materialistic society, it is so difficult to resist accumulating stuff! But, it really doesn't make us happy. It usually just gets in the way of the really important things like family relationships, helping others and worship, prayer and contemplation.
I've been quiet but present. =) Love these chapters, and you all have had such wonderful observations on the need for childlike innocence and trust! I have two small children, 4 and 6, so these lessons are always fresh in my mind as we guide them into understanding of God and Jesus.
ReplyDeleteThe big "aha!" moment for me with the rich young ruler story was when I realized that if he really HAD obeyed all the commandments all his life, he would have been loving the Lord his God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength--and then wouldn't have valued his belongings above it. But he thought himself more virtuous than he was. It isn't the possessions, of course--it's making an idol of them.