Rev Francisco BilogOur text says, , “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. (Mark 10:13-16)
Here we encounter one of the most beautiful points in the Gospel. Although told in only two verses, we can capture something of each of the characters involved. There are those who brought the children; almost certainly young Jewish mothers. It was common for them to have their child, after the age of one, blessed by a rabbi.
No wonder they wished Jesus to lay his hands on them. They had seen what these hands could do; had seen them renounce disease, bring sight to blind eyes, bring peace to tormented minds… and they wanted to see such blessing upon these little lives.
So they brought their children… and more accurately the verb used means “they kept on bringing” as many translations read.
So it is that Jesus “took the children in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them.”
How can we share in that work of blessing? How can we open the door of hope?
1. CONSECRATION
We too, parents and fellow members of Christ’s family, can consecrate our children, set them apart, by interceding for them in prayer. Jesus provided the final sacrifice… now we can take them to him.
This is why we have public dedications of children… and a time of prayer for Children in Church. This is why we have chapel hour in our school and spiritual retreat for children as part of our school activities.
AS WE DO… I SEE THE DOOR OF HOPE PUSHED OPEN AND WIDENING ALL THE TIME, AND I SEE A GLIMPSE OF TOMORROW.
2. CHARACTER
Our need to show our children integrity with humility.
Nearly every parent I know has shared with me the great awakening of realizing that their children learn not simply by what is taught, but by what is caught.
Children will gain what they see in us… our character
Kids today are exposed to too many parents who don’t care to do right, leaders who can’t admit when they are wrong; and a culture that isn’t sure that character should be an important issue for public figures.
They don’t see the walk that consistent with the talk. This hypocrisy breeds anger, and anger gives way to cynicism and losing of the future.
No program alone can restore hope in our children. CHARACTER IS THE GREATEST GIFT WE CAN GIVE TO OUR CHILDREN.
They don’t need spiritual giants… they just need basic integrity with humility.
– They don’t need parents who are perfect… but committed
– They don’t need parents who are flawless… but faithful
– They don’t need parents l who have it …but are humble and honest before God,
I see those parents sitting here this morning… in every daily choice of faithfulness, seen and unseen And I see the door of hope pushed open, widening all the time, and I see a glimpse of tomorrow.
3. CARE
There is a hymn which says: “Do you really, do you really want to share, do you really care”
How relevant those words are today! They should fill our hearts… and indeed I believe they have found expression for so many.
I see parents, mostly mothers resigning from their professional job to give their time to care for their children.
I think of those involved in children’s ministries. Families, who took orphaned girls or boys into their home and treat them as their own.
School teachers, who are patient, caring and purposely give efforts to pupils who are neglected and rejected by their families.
I SEE THE DOOR OF HOPE PUSHED OPEN, WIDENING ALL THE TIME, AND I SEE A GLIMPSE OF TOMORROW when we become an instrument to bless our children by giving the three C’s to our children:
Consecrate them …develop their Character to have integrity and humility….Support with care. Amen.
Closing: May I now request the children, all parents, grandparents to please stand.
Let us all sing the song: “Jesus Loves Me.”
Let us pray: Children, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles:
“May the Lord bless you and protect.
May the Lord smile at you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor and give you.”
In Jesus name, We pray. Amen”