August 2024
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
-Matthew 19:14
Children have a way of rescuing us from our self-important grown-up business. I will be in front of the computer doing some work, and my wonderful niece will ask for my attention to demonstrate some remarkable ability or show me some delightful project she’s putting together. My kids, likewise, are eager to share the things that they are discovering. I must continually learn to practice the art of paying attention to what is truly important: the kingdom of heaven attempting to break in and interrupt my fussy projects. I am not always very good at that. Too often I probably say or think: “I’m sorry, but Dad’s working right now.”
Jesus’ disciples didn’t want Jesus’ important business to get interrupted, and so they were protective as parents brought their children to Jesus in order for Jesus to bless them. They probably said things like: “Jesus doesn’t have time for this right now; give him some space. He’s got more important work to do.” But Jesus surprised everyone when he rebuked the disciples and welcomed the ‘interruption.’ As he usually did, Jesus pointed out that the Kingdom of Heaven was near. The crayons, the paint, the mess, the noise, the sticky fingers and ‘silly’ questions; all of that, Jesus said, reminded him of whom heaven was for. “Let them come.”
Obviously, we want our children to mature and develop their abilities and learn how to be responsible. But what must not be lost is that inherent sense of wonder and joy and curiosity and trust and the appreciation of all things good. You and I - we are also children of God - dependent and in need when it comes to the most important things. The kingdom of God is not some prize to be won by the most powerful and put together, but a gift to be received humbly by the imperfect, and then shared as naturally as children share the good things they’ve discovered with those around them.
I am grateful for the opportunities we have had to learn from the children here at FPCM; whether it’s in the nursery, at LOGOS, at VBS, at Camp or GenOn, or in worship together. This summer, we as a church have once again invested heavily in our ministry with children. Thank you so much for your incredible support, spiritually, financially, and as volunteers. Your investment is not just for a summer, but for an eternity. Lest we forget, the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. And thank you little children, so much, for being with us. You are very good indeed. Keep coming.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matthew