“People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.” Mark 10:13-16 (NRS)
When Jesus began his ministry on the earth, he did not call the kingdom of God into existence, despite what some scholars may proclaim. His message of the kingdom as being near at hand was not that it would soon physically exist. His own words clearly indicate that all those who would believe in him would have access through him to the kingdom. He is proclaiming a present and immediate accessibility. One did not have to wait for the kingdom of God to appear, it was already available and accessible through him.
But then we are surrounded by those who refuse to take hold of what is so easily accessible. Despite the evidence that proves the kingdom of God has come, some will continue to reject God’s rule. Some will continue to reject God’s door into his kingdom. Some will continue to reject Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of the kingdom. Some did in the first century and many still do today.
The difficulty for many may be that the kingdom of God is not the only one present in the earth. That is the reality we face every day. The kingdom of darkness is here. In addition, the personal kingdoms of every person who insists on doing his/her own thing are here. But right beside all these kingdoms, the kingdom of God exists just waiting for those who will enter it. We can be a citizen of his kingdom. The door is wide open. The kingdom life is real. Jesus did not, and will not, force anyone to enter his kingdom.
“Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”
But, “whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Dear Father, thank you for your kingdom and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Grant that every person who reads these words may believe that Jesus is the Son of the Living God and the Door into your kingdom. Empower us all with the receptivity of a little child. This I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the King. AMEN
Be encouraged today as a little child of the kingdom of God,