Accept the Cross, It’s That Simple

“Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4)


Who does God see as great? The disciples asked Jesus that and he referred them to the kids playing around them, even to the point of bringing a child into their circle. A child is at times helpless, always needing advice, craving attention, seeking boundaries and discipline, and always...always ready to forgive and move on with life. Jesus had to remind His disciples that God sees the heart of a person, as a child does. A child can sense when someone is genuine, can’t they? They can feel something we can’t. We lose the innocence, the freedom, and the sensitivity of a child, as we grow wise!

Surely Jesus recalled His childhood, as he played with His brothers, learned the carpenter trade under Joseph, and even gathered in the temple as a young boy. He probably remembered His siblings poking fun at Him, or the ridicule He received for being so young, yet knowing Scripture so well. I bet He remembered the scolding He received for missing the family van when they pulled out to go home from the temple too!

Jesus knew what it was like to be a child, because He was one! He also knows what it’s like to be an adult in the world, because He lived in this flesh as we do. He also knows what it takes to please God, because He did only what the Father said, despite all the temptations known to man! We have to remember that Jesus knows everything about us…and He wants to help!!! He wants to keep it real simple too. We get so caught up in intricate details and complicated processes, that we lose the message. God loves us and wants us to run to Him as a little child runs to His daddy with open arms at break-neck speed! It’s that simple!

For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering, The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart…these O God, You will not despise. (Psalm 51:16-17)

Psalm 51 is my favorite Bible passage from my favorite biblical hero. It reminds me so much of myself, who I am in Christ and who I was BC. Jesus knows us because He made us and because he was one of us. He knows what it’s like to have too many tasks for the 24 hours in a day. He knows what it’s like to be taken advantage of, not to be asked to help, or not being appreciated. When we struggle, He is willing to listen. When we hurt, he is ready to heal. When we’re all alone in a sea of people, He will step next to us and lift us, making us feel special. We need to hear that today!

But we have to do some things first. We have to know Him, trust Him, and let Him love us His way. It takes humility, innocence and a desire to learn. We must run to Him as He calls our name. Focus on only Him and run to His open arms!!!!