Through a Child’s Eyes
Scripture Reading — Luke 18:15-17
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
When my grandson was five years old, he asked a lot of questions about God. Eventually we prayed together, and he asked Jesus to come into his heart. After saying Amen, my grandson looked up with wide eyes and announced, “He was already there!”
It brought tears to my eyes as I imagined my grandson being lifted onto Jesus’ lap, and Jesus’ placing his hands on him and blessing him. Jesus intentionally invited and welcomed children into his covenant family, and I do believe he is “already there” in a child’s heart through the prayers of his parents and grandparents.
Isn’t it striking that the very Son of God, the Creator of the universe, did not consider himself too busy or too divine to visit with energetic and blunt-speaking children? He did not rebuke them, as his disciples did, but instead he held them up as role models for pure faith. Jesus taught adults to be as trusting and humble as little children, and to learn from them.
As adults, we’ve seen more brokenness, sin, heartache, and hurt than many children have seen. So our faith can be rocked as we face challenges and as we take dangerous detours. But Jesus invites us to sit at his feet, accept his forgiveness, receive his blessing, and realize that he is always with us, just as he promised (Matthew 28:20).
Loving God, remind us that we need to be as trusting and humble as children in our life with you each day. Help us admit that we need and depend on you for everything. Amen. (BMB)
About the author — Al Mulder and Bonny Mulder-Behnia
Al Mulder served as a church pastor in Kansas, Utah, and New Mexico and in ministry roles with denominational missions in North America. He is a member of Madison Square Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Al and Joanna Meyer, both widowed, married in 2020. Together they have eight children, 19 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.
Bonny Mulder-Behnia began work in ministry after a career in
journalism. While serving on staff at Madison Square Church, Grand
Rapids, and later at Rosewood Church in Bellflower, Calif., she
completed seminary training and is now a copastor at Rosewood Church.
Bonny is married to Jahangir Behnia and has two children and one
grandchild.
As father and daughter, Al and Bonny have a shared passion for
multicultural ministry. Their initials (AM and BMB) indicate which
meditations they have written for the month of January.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!