Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.
Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. (Mt. 18:3)
Walking Hand-in-Hand with Your Father
Jesus places a little child in the midst of His disciples and tells them that what He is about to say is critically important. Assuredly, a trustworthy truth that is to be seriously dealt with. He proceeds to explain that they will not enter the kingdom of heaven unless they make a dynamic change. They need to turn from their self-seeking, worldly ambitions and become like little children, free from pride, covetousness, and ambition. The disciples had been arguing about who would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus had to correct their understanding by showing them God’s point of view. To be great is to become like a child— humble, simple, content, trusting, and teachable.
What makes us children in the Kingdom of God is a child-like attitude toward God. A child delights in spending time with her father, resting with him, talking to him, walking with him. Face radiating with delight, her hand reaches up to grasp his down-stretched hand. His hand, so big, so strong, so safe. Her hand, so small, so weak, so fragile. Hand-in-hand they walk. Her daddy knows where they are going. She does not. She knows she is walking with her daddy. That is enough. When she falls, he picks her up, when she laughs, he smiles, when she jumps, he catches her. She looks up to him, certain of his love for her. He looks down at her, treasuring each moment with his little girl. She delights in doing what her daddy tells her to do. She wants to please her daddy. She loves him. Daddy gently, carefully, purposefully guides and corrects her. Sometimes—often—she does not like his discipline, but she has come to accept it and is gradually adapting her will to his will. She neither knows nor understands the wisdom in the ways of her father. He knows he must prepare her for the dangers that lie ahead. When we are convinced of God’s love, we willingly accept His correction. When we do not know His love, His correction seems harsh to us. We become self-absorbed; unsure of His love, growing fearful, uncertain, troubled. We know that we do not have the answers, but when we rely on ourselves, we are not willing to trust our Father’s wisdom and guidance.
Do you know, really know, the love God has for you? What prayers has He answered for you? What encouraging words, or verses, has He given to you? When was a time that you had no other option but to trust Him? What did you gain from that experience? It is impossible to trust Him fully if you do not believe He cares for you. Won’t you look to God and ask Him to show you His love? Remember, “Little ones to Him belong; they are weak, but He is strong.”
Trusting that her Daddy Knows Where They are Going, She Does Not Worry
When I was a little girl, I loved to walk hand-in-hand with my father. He was strong and big. I knew he was the strongest man in the world when he carried my tricycle up the stairs—with one hand. I had no cause to worry or to fear because I knew he would take care of me.
Your Turn: I hope you had a close relationship with your father. Even if you didn’t, God probably gave you someone you could trust. Think back to the moments you spent with that person. Did you feel safe? What did you think when you were with them? Write down these pleasant memories. If you don’t enjoy writing, you could make a video of yourself with your Smart Phone. If possible, give this person a call or write them a letter to thank them for their influence on your life. Be sure to thank God for placing them in your life.