Based on the positive reception of my first post, i've decided to give day 7 of light the world series a try. Day sevens lesson in the light the world website, is found in Mark 10:14 of the Bible. However, like last time i’m going to provide more context and depth to this topic. Enjoy :)
The core scripture for today, is:
Mark 10:13-16 NiV
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 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. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
In this passage we see that the kingdom of God is available to ALL who would seek it. in addition to this, we see that there is a quality found in children, that Jesus desires within his followers. This, is clearly humility, a desire to feel comforted, and a willingness to give and receive compassion.
The light the world website again has some ideas on this subject and is geared towards giving to and helping children during this holiday season. I’ll list off their suggestions, and then dive into some in-depth analysis of the scripture above.
When was the last time you made a child smile?
Donate a toy to a children’s hospital, or make a contribution to a children’s charity.
Do your children or grandchildren understand the true meaning of Christmas?
Teach them about Jesus Christ and His infinite love for them.
How could you make a child’s day?
Make plans and take time to help a child feel special.
These are all very simple ways to apply today’s scripture. We can all do them. While loving children, orphans, widows, and criminals alike is what Christians are supposed to do, the key point here is the desired character of a Christian. For this, we go to what is known as the beatitudes in the new testament.
Matthew 5:1-12 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Sermon on the Mount
5 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
The Beatitudes
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons[a] of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
I could post an entire article on each individual characteristic, each one has a deeper meaning. To keep things simple for now, the overall picture painted in the beatitudes, can be compared to the state of a child's heart. Remember when you were 6-7 years old? Didn't you just want to smile and see others smile? Didn’t you want people to see justice? Didn’t you want to receive mercy when you did something wrong? Didn’t you want to be comforted after mourning over the death of your dog, or fish, or hamster?
Yes, WE did.
So don't rebuke people who ask the same. The kingdom of God is like yeast in dough, it should permeate all aspects of your life. When speaking to children, find a way to make them smile and teach them something at the same time. However, don't make a distinction between the way you treat these children, and the way you treat everyone else. Everyone should be welcome in your home and your heart :)
Like last time, this isn't just a theoretical sermon. Today I was sitting in a library, and I started a conversation with a friend. She was dealing with some depression, and collapsed arches in her feet, which make it difficult for her to follow her passion for ballet. I personally didn't want to continue talking to her after she complained. I had other things I needed to do and think about and I didn’t want to be brought down by anything she might say. However, I was convicted of the twisted and selfish position of my heart at that moment, and I knew I needed to meet her where she was at. So we talked, and I realized she needed wisdom. I ended up counseling her against relying on medication to help or fix her depression, which she agreed with, and sent her to a local kung fu studio to help her with her muscular and skeletal issues. She was highly encouraged, and by the end of it, I learned that I can be too quick to judge people. I thought in the beginning I was going to deal with someone who wants the quick easy bandaids because it was more comfortable and made them feel like their pain was validated, even if it's exaggerated. I was wrong, she knew she needed to be strong and solve her problems and to have faith everything would work out, all she needed was a push in the right direction from someone with the tools to help. Because I did not turn her away, she received what she needed to move forward and receive gradual healing.
John 3:16-17 16 “For God so loved the world,[i] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
The scripture John 3:16 is so common, even some atheists and agnostics know it by heart. But if you look carefully, it says for god so loved the WORLD. Not some people, not the nice ones, not the good looking or the super talented or the rich but the WORLD meaning EVERYONE.
So, Three lessons to draw from the scriptures listed and this article:
- Never turn away anyone who ask for your mercy and compassion.
- Always approach God, and your parents, and every human you meet, with gentleness from a humble and genuine heart.
- Love everyone like they are your child, this means you should treat them better than you treat yourself :)
Now, when applying this to everyday life, who wants to be loved? everyone right? by whom though? Well your parents of course. and just like a parent, God loves his children, and we acknowledge this all over the bible. "father who art in heaven", "father forgive them they know not what they do" etc. God is a father and we are his children. He wants his children to be humble and gentle and search for his justice and give to those in need yes. Do you know what he wants more? Obedience and for you to come to him with confidence before his throne knowing he will protect you, provide for you, guide you and discipline you.
Deuteronomy 8:5 ESV Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the Lord your God disciplines you.
Proverbs 6:23 ESV For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life
Hebrews 12:6 English Standard Version (ESV)
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
Most of the time this discipline means letting you suffer the consequences of your own actions. Other times, its a soft rebuke for a hard heart, a piece of wisdom for a twisted attitude, and other times a swift kick in the behind from you guessed it, our parents for disobeying them. but what comes after that? A hug.
Just as our parents know how to give us good gifts and comfort us, how much more will our heavenly father answer us when we cry out to him? Even King David in his 80's, said that he has never seen the righteous forsaken. Now i'm not in my 80's lol but I have never seen anyone who is truly humble and searching for either truth or for justice, or comfort be turned away.
So, my final practical application and my final point in this article:
- Find comfort in your parents, even when they discipline you :)
:)
Today's message was brought to you by 
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special thanks goes out to Leena :) your vulnerability led to the inspired ending to this message. I know you read the previous draft, but I hope you like the changes I made :)
