A Little Child Shall Lead

Scripture

 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to Me, and don’t try to stop them! People who are like these children belong to God’s kingdom.”

~Matthew 19:14, CEV

Quote

If I were searching for a great man, I would look to find him among the children.

~Jack Taylor

Our world has changed dramatically from the days of Jesus. Children are highly valued in this part of the country but in ancient times, children were not that important. The disciples scolded the parents who were bringing their  little ones to see Jesus. They assumed He had no time for kids but they were wrong. When Jesus saw what they were doing, He rebuked them. “Let these children alone, do not hinder them from coming to me. This is what My Fathers kingdom is made of; people who have the faith and humility of a child.” Jesus took the time to lay his hands upon their little heads and bless them. This passage was one of Olivia Alred’s favorites. The LORD used Bro. Steve to ignite some sparks in my mind: the first and most obvious truth of the passage is that JESUS LOVES CHILDREN period. They are innocent and pure. They have not learned to lie or to pretend like we adults. So Jesus values children and so should we, but as Bro. Steve so insightfully pointed out, these children were BROUGHT to Jesus by their parents. There is not a child in this county who would not love Sunday School, VBS or AWANA’s if they had parents who would bring them. Olivia loved AWANA, she loved church and she loved Jesus. All her favorite songs were about Jesus. For those who don’t know, we are talking about a 6 year old. Brother Steve shared her favorite scriptures and it was verses that an adult would pick out. Psalm 34:18 for instance, The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. This is one of my favorite verses. Matter of fact I love Psalm 34 in its entirety. Bro. Steve also quoted 1 Corinthians 2:9, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” He reminded us that God had prepared a special place for Olivia, one tailor made just for her and one that would bring her endless delight.

He said one other thing that convicted me, and I quote; “This little girl who lived on six years touched more lives than I have in sixty.” Bro. Steve is a humble man and he has touched more lives than he realizes but I got the point. I understand exactly what he was saying and I could say the same thing only seventy years instead of sixty. This brings me to my third and final point: {1} Jesus values Children: He will love them. {2} He will bless them if we bring them to HIM and {3} He will use them in ways you can’t imagine. Jesus not only loves them, they are BIG in His kingdom. I’m not just talking about here and now, I am talking future. The words of Isaiah came to mind, “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them.” I do want to share a video clip of Lucy Pevensie. Lucy was about Olivia’s age, perhaps a year or two older. Little Lucy stopped an army. {this film clips comes from the Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian} I’m telling you folks, God uses children here and now and in the world to come. Lucy saw Aslan {Jesus} when her older siblings could not see him…she had a child’s faith. This clip doesn’t show the battle but when Aslan shows up, there is no battle. He slays the enemy with His breath. One roar and it was over. Lucy loves Aslan most because she had the heart of a child: the two were close as you will see in the clip.

It was a hard day for Jonathan, Emily, Henry, Teresa, Tony, Tammy, Danny and the entire family. Mrs. Helen was sick and did not get to attend. My suggestion for today is that we all say a prayer for the Alreds.

P.S. A word of appreciation to Steve Ledbetter and the Enon Baptist Church for their ministry to Jonathan and family and for the services they rendered yesterday. Well done, Enon Baptist.

This blog is in memory of Olivia Emerson Alred, born August 2, 2012 and promoted on March 9, 2019

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