November 24, 2020: SOAP #4009:  Matthew 17-19

SCRIPTURE:  Mathew (NIV) 18:2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

OBSERVATION:  The special blessing promised in this verse is that when we welcome children in His name, we are also welcoming Him!  What I do to children, good or bad, Jesus takes it as though I personally did it to Him. 

APPLICATION:    There are at least three things I am saying when I welcome someone into my home.  1, I am privileged and happy to have you here.  2. You are entering a friendly place.  And 3. You will be treated as having great value.  This is the way we should welcome children AND this is the way we should welcome Jesus.

Truly I want Jesus to know that I am happy to have Him in my life.  My heart should be a friendly place for Him.  He should feel right at home.  I surely do not want to offend such a valuable guest by using inappropriate language or allowing a bad attitude.

PRAYER:   Lord, I welcome children and you as great friends.  Please make yourself at home in my life.  I pray a special blessing today for those ministering to children in your name.  Make them know that you are with them.  Holy Spirit show them new ways to reach the children. Show them ways that have never been used before. Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!