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Mustard Seed - November/December 2004
How Does Good Look At "Little Ones"?
How Does God Look At "Little Ones"?
Mustard Seed - November/December 2004
It has bee a tradition in the Church of God as far back as I can remember that each year either during, or after the feast of Tabernacles that we have a special service of blessing of children. This tradition was taken from Mark 10:13-16... and they brought young children to him that he should touch them, and his disciples rebuked those that brought them..." but when Jesus saw it he was much displeased and said unto them— "suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God."
"Verily I say unto you whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. "And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.'
There is a lot said here in these scriptures: (1) Christ does have love and concern for children (2) we must receive the kingdom of God as a little child. (3) If we do not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, we will not enter into it.
Let's look at Mt. 18:3—"verily I say unto you, except you be converted and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Again having the attitude of a little child is very critical in our efforts to enter into the kingdom. Even though we all start out as babies, then we become children, and from there to adulthood. We must never lose that child-like attitude. Mt. 18:4 "whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. In verse 6 of Mt. 18, the concept of young children is expanded to new and potential Christians, "which believe in me." Many scriptures, especially in I John, refers to Christians as "little children." In the book of John, 13:33, Christ also referred to his disciples as "little children."
Let's read Mt. 18:6—"but whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.. Now we can begin to see how God looks at "little ones." Most of us have probably heard stories or maybe have had experienced first hand how a mother bear protects her cubs. the slightest indication of a threat, a mother bear will strike with fury at anyone or anything that presents that threat. Most other animals will also protect their young. This is very much the same way God watches over His "little ones."
In past years I have personally been a witness to some "little ones" being offended. In one particular case, it involved a long time minister dealing with a newcomer in the faith. This newcomer was very zealous towards God's truth and didn't see or understand the need to follow the procedure that the minister had established. (frankly, neither did I.) But he showed up for services before the minister had given his permission, and the minister actually ran him off and said—"don't come back until we can talk." This was done in the presence of other witnesses, and the young man was extremely embarrassed and he left. This has been over twenty years ago, and to my knowledge, he has never come back. Tragically, the minister developed cancer and died. I couldn't say that God caused his death, but I can read Mt 18:6 and "tremble."
Another incident involved a young lady, just beginning to learn the truth, who was invited for dinner by some "old time" church members. In the course of conversation during that evening,
the host began to talk about end-time events, and told the young lady that the time would probably come when she would have to leave her husband. This was a little too strong, and again, as far as I know, she has never returned. The gentleman who told her these things, was later involved in an accident that left him disabled for life. Hebrews 10:31 states:" It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." There is definitely a strong comparison between little children, young in age, and new Christians young in the faith.
If we encounter someone, and most of us have, that shows a lot interest in God's truth and is interested in living that truth, we have very likely come face to face with a 'little one." How we conduct our relationship with that person could very well affect that person's relationship with God.
As a small child grows into adulthood, we are admonished to grow into spiritual adults. Not all of us grow at the same pace. Hebrews 5:12 " for when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat."
Even though some may grow at a slower rate of speed, we are all still God's "little ones," and God cares deeply for each one of us. so let's continually hold fast to that child like attitude of humility, flexibility, and teach ability. And never, under any circumstance, "offend a little one."
-Neil Wroten
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