ODJ: No Bother

June 2, 2018 

READ: Mark 10:13-16 

Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children (v.14).

Four year old David climbed into bed one night and folded his hands to pray. “Dear God, thank You for Lego Star Wars,” he said. “General Grievous has four lightsabers! Watch.” He stood up on the bed and began a dramatic rendition of a battle in the air using imaginary lightsabers. His mum tried not to laugh as she watched. David finished his performance, dropped back down on the bed and folded his hands again. “Amen!”

Children approach God so differently, don’t they? As adults, we sometimes worry about bothering God with the little things. But we can actually go to Him for anything! In fact, we’re encouraged to “pray about everything” (Philippians 4:6).

In Mark 10, parents who wanted their little ones to be blessed came to Jesus, but the disciples were sending them away, not wanting them to bother Him (v.13). But Jesus responded, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it” (vv.14-15).

As adults, we’re prone to feel as if we have to earn the right to approach God and enjoy life in His kingdom. But children receive the kingdom as a gift. They can remind us that all we really have to do is receive what Jesus offers.

Let’s learn from the children in our lives how to receive the gift of God’s kingdom. God loves us so much that He cares about the things we find exciting, things that grab our attention or capture our imagination. Don’t be afraid to ‘bother’ God by thanking Him and praying about the little things. If it matters to you, it matters to Him, because He cares for and loves you!

—Julie Schwab

365-day plan: Daniel 6:1-28