Suffer the Little Children


By Marcia K. Leaser

August 30, 2006

Matthew 19: 14

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

 

 

     As I began to prepare myself for teaching vacation bible school, I was reluctant.  I hadn't taught for years and began to question my decision to try it again.  "Six and seven year olds are so lively," I kept thinking.  I was sure I’d find a way out.  But soon, it was too late.

 

     "Now what am I going to do, Lord?"  I questioned in fervent prayer one day. 

 

     By the time registration was over, my class had eight boys and three girls.  I was warned that a couple were especially hard to handle, but I quipped.  "At least things won't be boring." 

 

     Shrugging off such comments as; "Are you sure you want to go through with this?"  and, "How are your nerves?"  I left the final teacher's meeting and went home to pour over the lessons. 

 

     The third one caught my eye immediately.  It closed with a section on how to bring children to Christ, and how to have them ask Jesus into their hearts.  I dismissed it completely.  "This is a job for the pastor," I reasoned.

 

     Well, perhaps I didn't think I was qualified, but God has a way of proving I'm a lot stronger than I think I am. 

 

     When Wednesday rolled around, the kids were alert and anxious to learn.  As the lesson progressed, it was as if I was no longer in charge and someone with a higher power than myself  had taken over the class.  Soon, all that was left to do was talk about asking Jesus into your heart. 

      There was an undeniable excitement in the tiny room that wouldn’t be ignored, and as I continued, I noticed one of the boys with his little hands folded and eyes closed. 

      My heart fairly stopped beating as I realized what was happening here.

      "Joshua," I asked softly.  "Are you asking Jesus into your heart?"

      Peeking shyly through tightly folded fingers he shook his head yes.  A couple of the other boys snickered, but the majority were wide eyed and ready for Jesus.  I patted Josh on the back and said.  "That is just great, honey, how happy you’ve made Jesus today."

      With an excitement I could hardly contain, I asked in a voice full of hope.  "Is there anyone else who wishes to ask our Lord into their hearts today too?"

      To my overwhelming surprise everyone responded!  My heart overflowed with love and my eyes brimmed with tears as all twelve of us closed our eyes and prayed the tiny prayer I’d hardly noticed at the bottom of lesson three.

 

Prayer

 

            Oh, Father, help us realize Your plan is far superior to our own.

 

 

Thought for the day      

 

            When we’re asked to serve You, remind us that You’re still in charge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                      



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