But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” Matthew 19:4
I’ve been reading Anne of Green Gables to Olivia recently and we’ve arrived at the part where Anne has just been told that she can stay at Green Gables permanently. Marilla finds her in the good sitting room where she has been sent to fetch a prayer card so she can learn how to pray properly – but she gets caught up staring at a picture on the sitting room wall entitled “Christ Blessing Little Children”. She explains her fascination to Marilla:
“and I was just imagining I was one of them–that I was the little girl in the blue dress, standing off by herself in the corner as if she didn’t belong to anybody, like me. She looks lonely and sad, don’t you think? I guess she hadn’t any father or mother of her own. But she wanted to be blessed, too, so she just crept shyly up on the outside of the crowd, hoping nobody would notice her–except Him. I’m sure I know just how she felt. Her heart must have beat and her hands must have got cold, like mine did when I asked you if I could stay. She was afraid He mightn’t notice her. But it’s likely He did, don’t you think? I’ve been trying to imagine it all out–her edging a little nearer all the time until she was quite close to Him; and then He would look at her and put His hand on her hair and oh, such a thrill of joy as would run over her! But I wish the artist hadn’t painted Him so sorrowful looking. All His pictures are like that, if you’ve noticed. But I don’t believe He could really have looked so sad or the children would have been afraid of Him.”
“Anne,” said Marilla, wondering why she had not broken into this speech long before, “you shouldn’t talk that way. It’s irreverent–positively irreverent.””
I like Anne’s observations. A child’s pure heart response to the Jesus in front of her that captures Christ’s heart and our human longing – well before she has been taught any of the structured prayers or proper reverence that Marilla is determined to instil.
Isn’t it where we all started, isn’t it where we still are some days. Hanging back, unsure, wanting to draw close, but wondering if it’s us He wants. Will He notice, will He see, not sure it’s us He’s calling to – maybe it’s the one standing next to us. Hardly daring to hope. Thinking maybe we need to be different to who we are to be noticed, to be pulled into His arms. And we are conscience of our ragged clothing and unkempt life. But His kindness draws us, the hope of Him draws us, our pain and longing draw us.
And there He is – arms wide open, heart laid bare, His eyes upon us, poised to embrace us, His whole life a mission to embrace us and still His eyes fixed firmly on us.
No longer orphans, no longer alone, no longer unseen.
This God who makes the weak strong and the last first. Who claims as His prized possession the least of us, the ones at the back, just edging in closer.
He sees.
So much of life would convince us otherwise, it would shout us down and tell us our all and our best and the very fibre of us isn’t enough.
But we have this sure and steady hope that bypasses earth and places us right in His presence. We have Jesus beckoning; we have One who stands for us.
“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf – – – ” Hebrews 6:19-20
We make it all too complicated, this faith of ours. Our learning and our trying to do things right and proper all the time can get in the way of seeing Jesus.
Jesus makes it simple – just come as you are – like children, who are too young to know their place or the proper way of doing things or approaching God. Who haven’t convinced themselves otherwise. Children who let their heart lead, who ask awkward questions and tell heart truth and even if they are full of fears they still come because they don’t want to miss out.
Come to Him – bring your broken pieces with you, bring your questions, and bring your heart open.
– – – For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” Matthew 19:4
It belongs to those who just come and hang around His feet, who come as they are.
Around His feet – where there is mercy, forgiveness, peace and belonging, hope, a new start.
Come simply like children.
Be welcomed, be loved.
Love to you all today
Tracey xx
Some music today. I promise you this one is worth the click.
Misty Edwards, When You Think Of Me
Thank you
A big thank you to everyone who came and supported our Cancer Council Afternoon Tea at Vaflers last Saturday. We had a beautiful relaxed afternoon tea together so thank you for your support.