ACTS: A Way to Live

Wednesday, April 6

ACTS: A Way to Live

The Gospel of Luke—Lent 2022

Read Luke 18:15-17

Focus Verse—Luke 18:16

But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

ACTion for reflection: Let the Children Come

As I am sitting here pre-writing this post, my daughter Maggie is en route from Clarksville TN to our home in the Nashville area, with her two little girls. Maggie, who is due with her third any day now, will have have lunch with us, and then "Mimi" and "Papa" will be on duty for the rest of the day and night as we watch our grand babies. The more I think about it, the faster I'm typing, and the broader my smile stretches across my face. Every time I see these two little girls (a 2 year old and a 1 year old), it's like I see them for the first time all over again...LOVE and JOY unashamedly gush out of me. I clap my hands; I jump up and down; I think I would even do a cartwheel if I could!

Can we believe that God our Father loves each one of us in this exact same way, and then some? Each time I have read the above passage, the Lord is always so good to first remind me that I am his cherished child. I think acknowledging that you are over-the-top-loved by your heavenly Father is what Jesus was talking about when he said, "Let the children come to me...the kingdom of heaven belongs to them." When we live in full confidence of his love for us, we then can readily give this love to others.

Children are precious in God's sight; they are not a distraction, but an attraction... because THEY teach us! That's what Jesus was trying to explain to his disciples when they were attempting to send the young crowd away. They have something to give us as much as we have to give them. It's a beautiful picture of God and each one of us who call him Father. Can you share anything that you have learned recently by simply being around your children or grandchildren? I know my grand daughters, Hally and Ada, trust me--they hold my hand and just walk alongside of me without really knowing what lies ahead in the day; they're dependently happy. I want to be like that with my Father.

Ask the Lord to open your eyes and heart to his truths as you seek to embrace and bless the younger generation today, and I will do they same... because I think I see Maggie's van pulling into our driveway! "Let the little children come to me!" Love and joy, love and joy, love and joy. (And afterwards, Mimi and Papa will need a nap.)

ACTion to Live Out: Share the message that Jesus loves all children

A couple ideas for today are to text your child (no matter the age) a sweet message of love and that God loves them very much or surprise a child (no matter the age) with a “best day” gift, celebrating them today with a gift of God’s love (instead of waiting until their birthday).

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you for teaching us how to live! After we daily reflect on your life-giving words, help us to then, through your Spirit, get up and ACT. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take your good news to the world. What an honor it is to be your image bearer. Amen.

Audio of Luke 18: https://youtu.be/TD-TsE-P81Y