THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
One Sunday morning we were getting ready for church. Our granddaughter (Morgan), who was only 3 years old at that time, was spending the weekend with us.
Ann and I had spent just a little too much time with Morgan, laughing and playing. So we were a little late getting dressed. But Morgan was really quite self-sufficient. So, Ann laid out her clothes and told her to get dressed quickly. And we began getting ready ourselves.
Morgan came in to our bedroom, and said, "Granny, I can't get these pants on!"
It was the cutest sight! She was actually walking in the pants, each of her little feet only half-way down the pant legs. She knew how to put her pants on. But she had made the mistake of standing up before she had pulled them up and let her feet get outside the pant legs.
Ann said, "Sure you can honey, you can do it."
Morgan looked up at her, and put her little hands on her hips, then said, "GRANNY! I'm just a little CHILD! I need HELP!"
Well, that was just TOO MUCH!
Ann and I both burst out laughing.
Then Ann showed her how to sit down on the floor and pull the pant legs passed her feet before standing up.
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________SCRIPTURE_____________________________________________________
Matthew 19
13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
KJV
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_______THOUGHT_________________________________________________________
The disciples thought Jesus was too busy teaching doctrinal issues to take time with children. But Jesus explained they should be ALLOWED to come to Him.
Many today believe that Jesus is too DEEP for children to comprehend.
But even a child can realize conviction for sin.
Even a child can realize the love and forgiveness of God.
Even a child can realize the NEED for salvation.
They just need a little help with the HOW of it.
During 27 years of pastoral ministry, I have faced this question many times: "When is a child OLD ENOUGH to understand salvation?" I always respond with, "When are YOU old enough to understand it?" The truth is, on this side of heaven, we'll NEVER undertand it. But we can REALIZE it!
Jesus explained, "of such" (Like little children) "is the kingdom of heaven."
It is imperative that we ALL come to Christ as little children in order to be saved.
We cannot understand, but we can realize!
We can participate.
We can surrender and receive!
When a child, or an adult, feels conviction of sin and realizes their sin has caused Jesus' death; and, when they feel contrition for that sin - the need of repentance, then all that is needed is commitment to Christ through surrender to His Lordship.
Do not refuse children to come to Christ because they do not comprehend doctrine. It is the surrender in trust that brings salvation. Growing in doctrinal comprehension is what we do AFTER we are saved.
And, don't forget YOU are still a little child when it comes to Jesus.
You don't understand everything about salvation and being dressed properly in His Spirit.
Jesus is there to HELP!
Love ya,
Bruce