The Kingdom of Heaven
By: Guy in Faith on December 14, 2004 - 7:18 am
Matthew 19
13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
It’s been many, many years since that fateful day so long ago. However, I remember it as if it were just yesterday.
He came into our town that hot, dusty, late summer afternoon. As I remember, it was just before the women of our village gathered at the community well to draw water for the evening. He was surrounded by a group of very course looking men. They were all sweaty and grimy from a long day on the road. It was obvious, even to me as a young child, that they had been traveling for a long time and were weary from their journey. Usually, when travelers passed thru our village, I would avoid them. There were all kinds of desperate men that traveled the road between our town and the next. You could never be too careful. Why, I heard once of a young boy that took up with a group of these fellows and was carried off into slavery. However, there was something different about this group of men. They carried themselves with a quiet assurance that seemed to be born of confidence in the young man that was very obviously their leader. He had dark, soft eyes that sparkled in the late afternoon sun. His smile was one that I’ll never forget; and his voice was the most amazing thing I have ever heard in my short life.
Out of the corner of one eye, I saw my mother motioning me to come to her. She, as well as the other women of the village, were gathering their children together as a group. They were going to take us to the stranger in order that he might lay hands on us and pray for us. His friends had other ideas though. They told my mother and the others that they were all much too tired from their journey to deal with us. They told us to run along and not bother their leader. I saw the slightest frown cross the brow of their young leader. He then spoke quietly, but with great authority. With an intensity in His voice that I had never heard before or since, he instructed his friends to allow us to approach. As we gathered around him, he laughed and smiled; very obviously enjoying himself. It was plain to see that he enjoyed the presence of children. The effects of the long journey seemed to lift at once. After a short time of joking and playing with us, he became very quiet and bade us come near. As I approached, I saw the look of peace in his eyes and on his face. I knew that a special time had arrived. I felt his hand upon my head–as light as a feather. In a soft, gentle voice he began to pray. Even as a small child, I understood the import of his words. I couldn’t believe it. He was praying for me. He was praying that I might be part the kingdom of heaven. I felt at peace, at peace like one feels in the presence of quiet, deep waters. I knew from that very moment that my life would never be the same.
That was long, long time ago. As events would have it, I was even present when he was crucified on a terrible Roman cross. As I grew older, I began to follow the stranger’s teachings. I came to know him as the Son of God. He impacted my life in a way I will never forget. To the day I die, I will never forget the day Yeshua visited my village.
Father, thank you for the reminder that we must become as little children in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. Lord, thank you that this is such a simple act: yet, the rewards are so great.
