Verse of the Day 3/8

 

Matthew 18:3-4  and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.⁴ Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  English Standard Version (ESV)

 

With the thought of the prodigal son still in my mind, I read today's verses in a devotional this morning.  What caught my attention was the "turn and become like children".  Isn't that what the prodigal son did in Luke 15.  In pride he had made his demands of the father and ran off.  But when he came to himself, to his senses, he did come back to the father with a childlike attitude.  Not in pride, but in humility.

 

In our lives or even watching our children or grandchildren, at some point, we will see them express the "I do myself attitude".  It starts as a toddler and sometimes is carried along into adult life.  We've been there ourselves with God.  All to often we think we can take things on in our own power, our own wisdom and logic with little thought of seeking the father's advice or will.  We may not squander wealth, but what about joy, what about opportunities to "grow in grace"?  The prodigal and the prodigal in us still has that "I'll do it myself" attitude.

 

As we prepare for worship this weekend may we consider, "when was the last time I turned, like a child to God our Father" for forgiveness, for guidance, for patience or for comfort?  If it has been a while,  a short time or a long time, may we humble ourselves, go back to "square one"  (The Message) and turn to Him today.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Matthew 18:3-5

The Message (MSG)

^2-5 For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom. What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me.