It’s Time To Step It Up

Click Here: Read Luke 18

 

“But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” – Luke 18:16-17

 

Jesus father figure on earth was Joseph.  Not much is known about him, other than he was from Bethlehem, and lived in Nazareth near Galilee. He was a carpenter by trade, and a devout Jew by heritage.  We know this because of his adherence to Jewish law and the visit of God’s angel to tell of Mary’s pregnancy.  Jesus as a boy would have followed Joseph, watched him and learned from him about life, about hard work, about how to treat others.  I can imagine Joseph knew of his son’s special place in God’s plans, which had to cause some level of uncertainty in his abilities as a father to God’s son.  We don’t see Joseph at the end of Christ’s life, during his years of ministry, death and resurrection.  But, when Jesus calls the children to come to him, all of the instincts from his loving fatherly relationship with Joseph kick in.  I can picture him laughing, tickling, hugging, and bouncing these children on his knee, while demonstrating just how much they are loved by God the father.

What a blessing it is to be a father and a grandfather.   There is nothing that can come close to the joy of seeing your children grow, mature and experience life to the fullest.  When they are born, you realize just how little you know about being a Dad.  The fears, the commitment and the protector in you develops quickly though.  It’s amazing how much you realize the selfishness that is within as you begin to whittle away at your own desires and begin to take on theirs.  The life mission of a parent shifts from dreams of personal gain and success, to supporting and fulfilling the dreams and desires of others.

Small things in their life began to take on huge meaning. With each passing moment, they become more distant and self-sufficient.  Within a very short time, you realize they do not need you as much as you need them.  They try your patience as they make mistakes, but they love you more than you deserve or could ever imagine.  As a parent you also will make mistakes in life, and the ones most impacted, by those mistakes, will be the ones you are trying to protect the most.  But, this is also the same group that will be the most forgiving and accepting of your faults and failures.


Realize you are their role model, you alone will determine who they become in life and what they will aspire too.  Jesus came to the earth as our role model.  He lived a life perfect from sin, loving others and speaking the truth and righteousness of the Father.  His war was with Satan, not mankind.  He brought a message to the masses that we are to love one another, and forgive one another.  He is our guide, our safe place and our example to live by, so that our children might one day claim Him as their own. 

You need not live perfectly in this world, for it is impossible to do so.  But, you do need to live a life that your children and the children around will see Christ in your actions.  Just as Joseph had the task of raising the son of God, you have the task of raising disciples of Jesus Christ.  Step up and realize the potential God has placed within you to parent these children for His Kingdom.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2018
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