March 3, 2020: SOAP #3743:  Numbers 32-33; Mark 10

Scripture:  Mark (NIV) 10:13 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch 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 I tell you the truth, 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, put his hands on them and blessed them.

Observation:  This passage reminds me of an incident in our church nursery.  My wife, Sharon was reading the passage about God giving David a wise heart.  (1Kings 3:12) As she came to that verse, she would stop and pray for God to give the child sitting on her lap a wise heart.  She was called away to take care of another matter and had one of the youth workers take her place.  When she came back, she was met with a little girl crying, “She did not pray for me to have a wise heart,” she sobbed.  So, Sharon explained to the youth worker “here’s how” and had her go through the story again.  And then the little girl went away happy.

Jesus was showing his disciples “here’s how” important children were, and “here’s how” how to bless the children. It is OK to be interrupted by children.  It is OK to spend time with them.  Jesus was setting the example.

Application:  Generally, children have two parents and four grandparents.  Hmmm. Those of us who see children missing grandparents need to step in and fill up the ministry of appreciation and encouragement.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, use me to bless the children in my life, in my neighborhood and on my bus.  Holy Spirit, fill my mouth with words of appreciation and encouragement.  Use me to lift their burdens.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!