Dear Ones:
It has been said that, “knowing the will of God is not difficult; we are difficult.” This might very well apply to faith, for there is a simplicity in true faith that even a child can exercise, and understand.
In Matthew 18, we find that the disciples were preoccupied with who would be the greatest in heaven? They were probably referring to themselves. It would be at this moment that “…Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them.” (v.2) What do you notice about this child? First of all, there seems to be a total trust in the Lord Jesus, as the child responds to His beckoning. And secondly, there is compliance with the Lord setting him in the midst of them. There is no resistance, only obedient faith…simple faith. It is at this point that the Lord Jesus uses the child as an example to all concerned. “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (v.4) So, what does it mean to “humble himself?” True humility is marked by the unreserved trust in God. There is no discussion, no dissention, no discord…only the trusting obedience of the heart. In other words, the child’s attitude towards himself is not obstacle to him following the Lord.
It was said of Saul, king of Israel, that at one time, he had been “little in his own eyes.” Because of this, he obeyed the Lord. But there came a day when he ceased to be little, but became “big,” great. It would be at this point that he would disobey, and forsake the Lord. He was no longer “childlike.”
We might say, “Well, I am not interested in considering a child, and his faith. I would much rather read the great men and women of faith, and follow their example. Though there is a certain commendation for this attitude, it falls far short of Christ’s teaching on faith, greatness, and ever-lasting life. “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (v.2) There are those who like to jump from A to C in our relationship with God. But the fact is, that there is but one way to God, and to grasp and live by it, requires that we bend the knee, and very simply entrust our all to Him. The great assurance is expressed as the hymn puts it, “…He will accept for the Name that is dear.”
So, let us come to Him, as we are. And let us give up our whole hearts to Him. To seek to hold on to our lives is to lose them. To lose them for His sake, will result in them being found. There is a beautiful simplicity in faith, like that of a child. May we know this day, and adopt this day, such faith…in all of its simplicity.
Love, Dad