Like a Child - Part 2

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. (Mark 10:13-16 ESV). Recently a young man I know was released from the county jail. He had been serving three months of a sentence for violating a restraining order that had been placed against him. He understood why he had been placed in jail. He was very sorry that he had made such destructive choices in his life. The drug habit he had chosen has destroyed his family, his reputation, and his career. He was a broken man. Yet, he could not seem to stay away from the drugs that had contributed to his fall. I encouraged him to seek help from Narcotics Anonymous. The first step in recovery through NA is for a dependent individual to admit that they are powerless over their addiction. It is that step that leads them to find help. He was unable to do that yet. He didn’t want anyone else’s help! He had not become “as a child.” This is a part of Jesus’ teaching in our reading this morning. When you come to Jesus, like a little child, helpless, defenseless, needing someone to carry the load, you are in the best position to be blessed. Have you discovered this principle yet? Do you know that if you try to do it alone, Jesus can’t help you as easily? God does not want to be ten percent, or even ninety-nine percent of the equation. God wants all of your dependence. Sure, He will use the skills and talents He has blessed you with, but He wants to work through you not with you, and there is a big difference. When God was about to take the Israelites through the parted sea, He told Moses “I will fight for you. You need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14) Now obviously Moses and the Israelites were moving through the sea, but God was doing the work. God can help you, and will help you in a way that gives Him the most glory. Go to Jesus today, like a child, and ask Him to help you today!