The Way To Heaven

The Way to Heaven

Matthew 5:1-12; Deuteronomy 7:1-11

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 19:14

Today, on Children’s day, I want to meditate on 3 important attributes of Children that we as the Children of God need for the way to heaven.

Can everyone turn to Matthew 18 starting from verse 1, At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. - Matthew 18:1-5

Understanding

Unless you are converted and become, as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. v3

Understanding means a capacity for discerning a right course of action.

And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.1 Corinthians 8:2-3. In other words, whoever claims to know all the answers doesn't know anything.

A child knows very little about the world, including right and wrong. They come into this world egocentric… meaning, they know nothing about anything, but their own needs… and will cry or ask for anything they think will satisfy those needs.

As some people grow old they sometimes depart from the Lord. Their selfishness and tendency to sin makes them live for themselves. People start to lose trust and hope in God because their eyes and ears tell them this world has no God. If you think about it, it is all understandable. With the knowledge that many people have picked up along the way… knowledge often gets in the way of having a simple trust in an invisible God.

How does God select His people?

26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are - 1 Corinthians 1:26-28;

For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. 7 The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; 8 but because the Lord loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Deuteronomy 7:6-8

In Acts 17, we see how Paul was evangelizing in Athens, he was surrounded by philosophers, intellectuals, and brilliant minds ahead of their time. Now, Paul was a very educated man. (3) He could have very well given philosophical and different thought provoking arguments, but he didn’t compromise by trying to become like the people in order to win them over. Paul was not there to challenge the wisdom and knowledge of the philosophers and intellectuals. Paul’s spirit was provoked to spread the Word of God to those who seek understanding. The word of God is given for our hearts not for our head. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. Our Lord and Savior is a God who only reveals Himself to those who seek understanding. To those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. To those who are like little children.

Sometimes it’s better to be more trusting and faithful like a child. Children are open and honest about what they see, hear and feel. They have no reason to lie about most things. Whereas us parents and adults are total opposites. We lose our trust and faith so easily.

We have all sinned. Everyone.Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” No one is perfect but Jesus. So why do we seek perfection in others? God doesn’t. When God looks down on us He doesn't see us as people who have sinned against Him that are undeserving of love… He sees the people He created and loves who are enslaved by sin, and who He wants to set free. He does not criticize and condemn us for our faults…but rather on the contrary, He is a Good Father who gave us the greatest gift… to set us free from sin and death.