December 16, 2022 - Mark 10:15

Jesus: “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” (Mark 10:15). Shedd rightly points out, “Our Lord does not here lay down a doctrinal position and affirm the moral innocence of childhood. . . . [He] affirms that it is the meek spirit of childhood, and not the proud spirit of manhood, that welcomes and appropriates the Christian salvation." How often the biblical writers speak of this meekness! “The meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace” (Psalm 37:11). “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12). And these are but a very, very few of the biblical references. How little does the world value meekness but we must come to our Savior humbled by our sin and with meekness and throwing ourselves upon his grace and mercy. You know, like children!

See Israel’s gentle Shepherd stand

With all-engaging charms;

Hark, how He calls the tender lambs,

And folds them in His arms!

“Permit them to approach,” He cries,

“Nor scorn their humble name;

For ‘twas to bless such souls as these

The Lord of angels came.”

We bring them, Lord, in thankful hands,

And yield them up to Thee;

Joyful that we ourselves are Thine,

Thine let our offspring be. -- Philip Doddridge (1755)