Words of Jesus
A Command For Us To Obey
The significance of these words spoken by our Lord is so important three of the gospel writers were inspired by the Holy Spirit to preserve it in written record for us to this day. Some of you, more educated than others perhaps, may feel an urge to ignore this command and devote yourself to the study of intricately complex prophecies and philosophies. However, the highest educated and humble (obedient) of you will recognize the authority, knowledge and wisdom of the Lord of lords and King of kings and be reminded to obey this command.
Yes, there are various understandings of these words, but the simplest reading yields the conclusion that 1) the as of yet uneducated, undeveloped, and trusting children, not yet indoctrinated with the constructs of the cultured thought of mankind, were precious to our Lord and King both then and now, and 2) somehow, those who become citizens of the Kingdom of heaven have something in common with these children.
Of course, we think we understand it. It is not complicated. Books have been written on the topic. Various Bible Commentaries have done marvelous jobs of exegeting these verses. But today, and for the next several days, I want to highlight one of the Southwest District of the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day)’s, SWD GC COG7) District Ministries by finding a text to share complimenting each Ministry.
It is only natural we would begin with Children. Every adult started as one, you know. So, let’s read the three accounts recorded in the gospels wherein Jesus’ disciples missed the significance of an event and chose to act in the wrong way. Of course, Jesus corrected the situation and would not leave until he had blessed every child. What a lesson for our Local Churches! As important as all Ministries of the Church are to the health and wellbeing of the Church, I suppose there is no ministry more important than the Ministry to Children.
Matthew 19:14 New Living Translation (NLT)
But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”
Mark 10:14 New Living Translation (NLT)
When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.
Luke 18:16 New International Version (NIV)
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.
How do you read these texts? What do you make of these words of our Lord, in the context wherein they were said? Do you value Children’s Ministry in the Church? Why? Or, why not? If you could design and employ some structure in the Local Church for Children’s Ministry, what would it look like? Perhaps you should develop that thought, put it in writing, discuss it with the Children’s Ministry Director where you attend services, if there is one, and go together with her or him to share it with your Pastor and Local Church Board. Ministry Partnership in the body demands that the components fit together. Being part of a body means coexisting with other members in a healthy, beneficial, and productive relationship.
Not everything you design may be adopted. But there is a positive possibility that something you have dreamed, envisioned, could be adopted for improved Kingdom work. Or, maybe, just maybe, this is God’s call on your life to become involved in his Kingdom administration. If not for Children’s Ministry, do not fret. There are more ministries coming if the Lord grants me the days to prepare them, and if not, one of my successors will finish what I have begun. One thing is for sure, this Superintendent is calling you to invest yourself, your energy, your resources, and your Ministry Partnership in your Local Church to make a real difference in the Kingdom cause of Jesus Christ through the Great Commission and Great Commandment.
Focus on Jesus and Follow His Plan. We are better together. That is God’s design.
If you desire to contact the SWD Children’s Ministry Director, please contact me via email at chiphinds@gmail.com or via the GC COG7 website or the GC COG7 SWD Media sites.
If you need to understand the gospel, please do contact a Local Pastor, Local Leader, Local elder, or me. I’m available when you can reach me, or I will refer you to someone near you. You, dear friend or enemy, are precious to the Lord God, even Jesus Christ our King and Master. It is God’s plan for you to live in eternity with him and all those who are believers (faith) in the grace of God through the sacrifice of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, the Christ. Can you have that? Yes, you can!
Yield to the Lord’s call on your life and you will live, be fruitful in glorifying his holy name, and abundantly fruitful in saving others from eternal destruction. And, to think, it all begins with Children. Have you let a child see the love of God in you? Lately?
The LORD bless you and keep you,
The LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you,
The LORD lift his countenance upon you and give you peace.
