Instead Jesus welcomed the children with open
arms, even rebuking His disciples: "When Jesus saw this, he was indignant.
He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder
them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you,
anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will
never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on
them and blessed them." (Mark 10:13-16 NIV).
A few weeks ago, I told the story of a child in
the ocean, trying to make huge waves. That child just kept on trying to make
big ripples in the water because it was important to him. If Jesus were
still on Earth, He would have made waves and ripples with this child. I can
imagine Him taking the child's hand and walking with him in the ocean. I can
almost hear them laughing together, and I can envision the huge smile on the
child's face because he realized he was loved.
I have a very strange memory. I was just a babe in
arms, long before I could speak; yet I clearly remember being in my mother's
arms. I could feel her love and it was important to me. I remember thinking,
"Thank you Jesus for giving me a wonderful mom who loves me." I was so
happy. I didn't want to leave from my mother's arms. I often think about
this time with my mom. I knew Jesus was with me, and I knew I was blessed
that my mom loved me and loved Jesus as well. But when I think about this
incident today, I am struck with the fact that I could even have this
memory, when I was too young to even be able to talk. I believe Jesus was
reaching out to me already at that age, filling my mind and soul with His
love.
May we love children, especially our own. They
will feel your love and God's love. As you continue to love them, remember
that Jesus accepts them as they are; and because you show them the love of
Jesus, these children will be much more likely to follow Jesus with all of
their hearts. They will have experienced the love of Jesus.
Jesus will never say: "Get out. You don't belong
here." Jesus will always love the children, and the ones who follow Him will
always follow the love of Jesus. He is our everything.
Share Jesus' love to anyone, but especially to
children that they, too, will be attracted to Jesus.
Rob Chaffart