Tuesday, February 12, 2013

The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Tuesday, February 12, 2013        I Blessed the Children       

Page 196      Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17

I am writing this the morning after the Super Bowl. This annual gathering is a microcosm of American culture. From the glitz and glitter, from the clash of the titans vying to be crowned as the champions, from the over-the-top halftime entertainment, to the TV commercials that averaged $3.8 million dollars per thirty seconds, the Super Bowl is a snapshot of American culture. Jesus came to change every scintilla of this culture.

We got a glimpse of this in yesterday’s reading when Jesus reminded the people of God’s design for marriage. Today, Jesus extends his cultural revolution to children. This seemingly simple instruction by Jesus is included in three of the Gospels which is evidence of how much the first century church believed their cultural values needed to change. Jesus was bringing the people home to the Father, who is the author of life, and for whom all life is sacred.  Proclaiming that all people, including children, women and Gentiles, are loved and esteemed by God became the core foundation of the first century church.

Jesus knew that children were helpless and had complete trust in, and dependence on, those who loved and cared for them. Jesus knows that adults would do well to have such trust and dependence as the core of their relationship with God.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it” (Luke 18:17). As I read Jesus’ words my mind drifts back to the Sermon on the Mount:

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,

God blesses those who mourn,

God blesses those who are humble,”

(Matthew 5)

Sē’lah

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What word or phrase in today’s reading attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

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(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  In addition to this BLOG they are distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com. The BLOG is also available on Amazon Kindle, by subscription.

The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Wednesday, February 13, 2013   The Disadvantage of Riches       

Page 196-197         Matthew 19: 16-26; Mark 10: 17-27; Luke 18:18-27