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Christ’s Command

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Christ’s Command

7 minuten leestijd Arcering uitzetten

“And they brought young children to Him, 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” (Mark 10:13&14).

Rev. H. Hofman, Jr., Sioux Center, IA

The Lord willing, most of our schools will open their doors again this month. May the Lord remember students, teachers, and parents as they face another school year. Many volunteer hours are donated by school board members, staff, and aides to make and keep our schools a pleasant environment for our children. May the Lord grant protection this school year and bless their efforts.

The text for this meditation shows both precious and serious things. Is it not a precious matter that the Lord Jesus took time for children? When the Lord Jesus was on earth, He was busy every day. Scripture seldom relates instances of rest for the Mediator; perhaps the only example is when He was in the ship with His disciples. Daily He taught in the temple, teaching the people and healing all manner of diseases. Still, the Lord took time for children—young children! Note also that Scripture does not specify who brought these children to Jesus. It is often assumed that they were mothers, but no mention is made of this; it is left open. Those who brought children to Jesus showed a spiritual concern. Their action portrayed a great respect and reverence for the Lord Jesus Christ. If the Lord Jesus took time, should we not follow this example with the same love and concern?

Therefore, we may exhort parents, grandparents, teachers, and all those who have important responsibilities toward children to have this spiritual concern. Our children have a soul for eternity; their need is so great. Many parents care and worry about only the outward needs of their children or grandchildren. Their concerns are how they are dressed, what they eat, and how well they do in school. In no wise do we wish to minimize the outward needs of our children, but how poor are they whose parents worry about nothing else. How poor are they whose parents are only busy making sure that they have their piano or violin lessons on time, that they don’t miss their physical activities ever, and that they excel academically in school (not to mention those parents who spoil their children by giving them the latest of everything that is available in today’s world).

How different it was with those who brought their children to Jesus. We meet people here who knew they were unable to give that one thing needful to their children. In their coming and presenting these children to the Lord Jesus, they confessed their insufficiency and inability to provide for these children’s deepest need. They came, however, to the right place. What a lesson for parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, and all those who work daily with children and young people. We, together with our children, are conceived and born in sin and, therefore, stand outside of the kingdom of God. We, by nature, are subject to the eternal wrath of God, prone to hate God and our neighbor, and are partakers of the condemnation in Adam. What a blessing if the weight of these matters brings us upon our knees. Such will sigh in secret: “Lord, here is that child or here are these children whom I cannot convert. Here is that rebellious son who is on the verge of breaking with his religious upbringing. Here is that daughter who is drifting away from the truth. Thou hast the words of eternal life.” There is but One who can provide.

How our homes and schools would be blessed with such parents and teachers. What a blessing it would be if our children have a school to go to and a home to come home to where there are those people who cannot be right before man and before the Lord but who may have a place to go with the needs of those entrusted to their care. A measure of Spirit-taught self-knowledge is so necessary to bring us to the realization that there is no good in self. May we in this respect also commend unto the Lord the teachers of our children. They spend an average of six to eight hours a day with them. May God grant parents and teachers to take instruction and courage from the text, “And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them.”

Their action is met with opposition. “And His disciples rebuked those that brought them.” The disciples had different thoughts and a different interpretation of what happened. How rash was their opinion; how foolish was their intervention. How ignorant was their heart. Let us take notice of the reprimand the Lord gave His disciples. They thought that Jesus would have no time to receive children, but Jesus rebuked them. The disciples thought perhaps that it was below Jesus’ standard to talk to and to take time to receive children. However, in addition to a severe reproach, the Lord, in front of His ignorant and impulsive disciples, received these children, laid His hands upon them, and blessed them.

Let us learn from this that there are many hindrances in the way of a godly upbringing of our children; they are all around us. The world, estranged from God, lures us to become like unto it. Satan, the prince of the world, seeks to keep us so busy in often legitimate things, but let us not forget to fear ourselves! Mark well that the opposition here came from the religious realm. How many church-attending parents are the greatest obstacles in a godly upbringing of their children. The action of the disciples is repeated today when, as parents, we permit every sin to enter our home, when the family altar is neglected or missing altogether, and when the Lord’s institutions are openly criticized and despised. How many seeds are sown in the heart of children and young people which later on prove to be barriers in living a life to the honor and glory of the Lord.

Let biblical examples be our guide. We read of the parents of Moses who, in the midst of trials and a very threatening world, in faith gave their child into the Lord’s hands. We read of Hannah who dedicated her son Samuel to the Lord. We read of Manoah, the father of Samson, who said to the angel, “How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?” (Judges 13:12b). We read of Timothy’s mother and grandmother; no doubt, these mothers had a great influence on Timothy. Let the good in a holy life be an example for parents and teachers, and let the outcome encourage our children and young people to seek the Lord while it is still today. The service of the world and Satan seems so attractive, but it is all misleading for eternity. The service of the Lord is a service of love.

How kind and inviting are the words which Jesus speaks. “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.” A little later, we read that the Lord Jesus takes them up in His arms and blesses them. Yes, this invitation is still in effect today. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD” (Isaiah 55:7a). It is the work of the Good Shepherd to seek and save that which is lost. For this reason He came into the world, not to condemn the world but that the world by Him should be saved.

Children, young people, and all who read these words of Christ, let them encourage you to seek the Lord early. The day of grace is short and is now. Labor not for the meat which perisheth but for that which endureth unto everlasting life. The God of your baptism is alive and lives forever. He does not break His covenant bonds. Do not waste your young bones in the service of the world, thinking that your old bones will be good enough for the Lord. Show the Lord of the covenant your baptized forehead and say to Him, “Receive us graciously. We have sinned. We are unwilling and unable, but have mercy upon us for Thy dear covenant’s sake.”

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Bekijk de hele uitgave van dinsdag 1 september 2009

The Banner of Truth | 24 Pagina's

Christ’s Command

Bekijk de hele uitgave van dinsdag 1 september 2009

The Banner of Truth | 24 Pagina's