Bible Reading: Mark 10:13-22
“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Mark 10:15)
A child obeys his father out of love and complete trust. He does not always understand his father’s intentions or will. However, he obeys rest assured that his father loves him and always acts in benevolence. It is a humble and pure trust. There are no twisted motivations in it.
We are called to have child-like obedience before Christ. What has God set before us today? Are there certain sins we must repent of? Are we living out God’s present calling for our lives? Do we humbly submit to God’s mighty providence, which works for our good?
The kingdom of God is not for the proud-hearted. It is for those who surrender in complete trust to God’s goodness and plan like a child. He does not understand the bigger picture, but he obeys all the little things his father commands him to do.
After Jesus had blessed the little children, a rich young man came up to him. He wanted to obey, and he had — by submitting to all the ten commandments. However, Jesus knew his heart. He did not have complete child-like obedience. Jesus loved him and said, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21).
A child-like faith does not store plans for himself. He has no idols; he has no backup plans. He is utterly dependent on his father and simply follows him. A child does not worry about what he will eat tomorrow because he knows his father will provide. Similarly, we must put out trust in God. He has a plan for us, and He will provide us with all we ever needed. In him, there is satisfaction, contentment, peace, joy.
He calls us to follow Him. This means simple one-step-at-a-time obedience. Have you given up your own ways and resolved to submit to God’s today?
Lord, please help me to have child-like obedience. I do not always know Your plans and ways, but I want to submit to Your will and direction. Please forgive me when I go my own way. Please forgive me and help me to follow You. Show to me what it means to follow You and hold me that I may follow You for the rest of my life. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
