God tells us many things about His kingdom in His Word. One of the characteristics of God’s kingdom is that it embraces children. If we don’t like to be around children, we may have to question whether we really are in the kingdom.
We read in Mark 10:13, 14: “And they brought young children to him (Jesus), that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was MUCH DISPLEASED and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Read also Matthew 19:13-15 and Luke 18:15-17.
The disciples were following Jesus, but they didn’t yet understand their Master. They thought that children would be a nuisance to His ministry. They would get in the way. Spoil the anointing.
But when Jesus saw what they were doing, He was “much displeased.” The word in the Greek is “aganakteo” and means to grieve, to be greatly afflicted, to be moved with indignation.” He didn’t gloss over it. He got really upset. In fact, He was indignant! How dare they shoo the children away. How dare they stop the children coming. This was opposite to the heart of Jesus. Immediately he gathered the children to Him for babies and children are at the very heart of His kingdom.
Let’s get the message straight. When we embrace children to our wombs, our hearts, our homes, and our families we are in the very heart of God’s kingdom.
As you nurture, teach, and train your children each day, you are in the very center of the kingdom of God. You don’t need to go to some faraway mission field. You serve in God’s kingdom in your kitchen with your children all around you.
Enjoy your children today,
Love from Nancy Campbell