Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 ³⁵  Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

 ³⁶  Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them,

 ³⁷  “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.”  Mark 9:33-37. 

I think it is easier to accept and apply Jesus’ statement “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” than it is to accept and apply Jesus’ statement  “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me”.  It is easier for us to think that we are humble and the servant of all on our own terms.  It is just a matter of our attitude and our choice as to how we serve others.  But, “to receive a child” creates more uneasiness. 

Although the thought did not occur to me until right now, let me make it clear that Jesus is not talking about one’s own children.  That is not difficult.

I don’t think Jesus is even talking about children for whom we can have a brief social encounter such as patting them on the head and sending them on their way.  I don’t think Jesus is even talking about children for whom we can have limited responsibilities as part of a job for which we are getting paid such as a teacher.    

As one example, but it is not limited to this one example, I think Jesus is talking about taking an orphan child into one’s home to love and care for him or her until he or she is ready to leave.  Now, that is one scary thought!  I don’t have it in me now to do it.  I question even my compassion now for the children of Haiti after the recent earthquake there.

But, God can pour His love into our hearts to do what He would have us do.  “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”  2 Timothy 1:7.  I like to say that God sneaks up behind me and leads me to do what I ordinarily would not do of my own will. 

Along these thoughts, I think God snuck up behind my friend Harry to love and care for Anna, a girl with no normal arms or legs.  Anna was first in Harry’s Sunday School class;  I am not sure how long.  But, Harry talked to the wonderful parents of Anna (who are an inspiring story in themselves for their adoption of special needs children) and got their permission to take Anna on hikes.  Harry would pack Anna into his backpack and carry her around the dunes of Lake Michigan.  I am not sure Harry intended to continue to do it for long, but God again kept working on Harry, and Harry now invites his friend Dale to go along so he can bring Anna’s siblings with them for the hikes.  I am not sure Dale intended to do it for long, but he likes Harry and hikes, and God also snuck up behind Dale and inspired Dale likewise.  

So, there is hope for you and me.