Childlike Awe

About that time the disciples came to Jesus to ask which of them would be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven!

Jesus called a small child over to him and set the little fellow down among them, and said, "Unless you turn to God from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore anyone who humbles himself as this little child, is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And any of you who welcomes a little child like this because you are mine, is welcoming me and caring for me." Matthew 18:1-5 (TLB)

John Alter lives in Florida. He has never forgotten an experience from first grade. It happened on a Monday. just the day before he had attended junior church, a special class for children a bit too young to get the most from adult worship service. Their teacher talked to them that day about how they will always have a friend in Jesus. He is with us hand-in-hand every day she told us.

On that memorable Monday as John walked to school, he recalled his Sunday school teacher's message. Suddenly, John raised his right hand and imagined grasping Jesus' hand. Even now, decades later, John still has a vivid and comforting recollection of that experience.

As we mature, we often lose that simple relationship with Jesus. But Jesus made it clear that we need to "change and become like children" (Matt,18:3), thinking and living humbly. John believes that means we must maintain a simple, unspoiled relationship with Jesus Christ. As we maintain that link with Christ in our prayers and thoughts, we may find ourselves reaching to grasp Jesus' hand that is always reaching out to us.

Prayer: Dear Jesus Christ, help us maintain a childlike awe in our relationship with you. May we always sense your presence with us, guiding us through each day. We pray in Your name. Amen.