For of Such is the Kingdom of Heaven

There is nothing quite so inspiring and beautiful as the imagination of a little child. Envision the sheer delight of children as they play innocently and frolic in the imaginary sand dunes of an ocean shoreline… laughing in frivolity and enjoying the warm mist of a salty breeze. They diligently form their sandcastles while giddily revelling in the undulation of the waves.

For a moment, their private kingdom has come to be fully experienced and they are safely embraced by the loving arms of their Heavenly Father. But can you also imagine with me the joy that Jesus feels when He beckons those who engage with Him and teaches them of His Father’s Kingdom which consists of palaces and golden streets?

Jesus said, as recorded in Matthew 19:14,

“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven”

Matthew’s account of Christ’s love for children, and His interaction with them, is also underscored with an admonishment regarding their access to the throne of God in heaven. Such is acknowledged in the mystery and power of Jesus’ words when describing the “Kingdom of Heaven,” not merely as a destination or “theme park” that children visit, but as an eternal material realm – every cell of which worships and communes with Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and our Heavenly Father. In a very real sense, children are an important aspect of Heaven (“for of such”), thereby infusing their DNA, to use an incarnate terminology, into its fabric.

As we come to understand the compassion that our Lord has for the children of the world, and those who will soon abide with Him in heaven, let us also feel the pain of the torture and displacement being experienced by literally millions of persecuted children and their families. May we similarly embrace those who are in peril for having uttered the name of Jesus. Now let us become one with all those who enjoy the heart of God as expressed through the families we serve.

- Doug