5 “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.
If we are humble like a child then we are able to see the world more clearly. Adults get so wrapped up in so many things that we often miss the wonder of the world around us. Children’s first discoveries are marvelous to watch. From the first wave at a beach to the wonder of clouds: each discover expands the mind and enlivens the heart. We so often miss the dew on the grass and the song of the bird. We are busy worrying about the bill that is due tomorrow. Jesus lets his disciples know that children have a special perspective on life. They are able to trust. Their trust has not been broken as often as ours. They have not become skeptics as we have. We have been deceived by others. We have bought that scam. We have believed the lie. They, on the other hand, still believe what people say. Their sense of curiosity pulls them to learn more about the world. We have so often learned enough to get by. We stop seeking out new knowledge. Children are like sponges, ever seeking more knowledge. Jesus wants us to trust Him as innocently as a child. He wants us to jump into His arms believing that He will be there. When we are humble like a child, then the Lord can take His proper place in our lives. If we still think we deserve a place of honor, we will have that place, but the Lord will not be able to work in our lives as He desires. We are to be open to those who have this kind of open faith, ready to trust, people who have the ability to simply believe that the Lord is big enough to do what we deem impossible. Just as a child can believe that Santa Clause can slide down a chimney, so we need the ability to believe that God has the power to raise us from the dead and breathe new life into our mortal body. Children are able to see past the barriers incomplete facts into the realm of faith. They have the ability to take us at our word. If a parent says it, it must be true. If the Lord says it, and we have this kind of childlike faith, then it must be true, even if some ‘fact’ stands in the way. Facts are open territory to the Lord. Since He made the facts in the first place, He knows the loopholes and the bypasses. He can accomplish His will regardless. Walking on water is impossible, but Jesus did. Healing a blind man with some mud made out of dirt and spit is impossible, but it happened. Can you see beyond the physical world to believe what God says?
The Arnold Journey 