“People were bringing their babies to Jesus for him to bless. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked those people. But Jesus called the little children to him and said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not stop them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’”
Luke 18:15-17
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- This passage from the Gospel Writer called Luke is from the section often called, “Jesus Blesses the Children.” It’s another of his teachings about the Kingdom of God, similar to those from the Gospel Writers called Mark (10:13-16) and Matthew (19:13-15).
- Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is among and within us (Luke 17:21). It isn’t a place we go when we die. It’s a place of harmony, wisdom, imagination, and divine ideas, where we feel that we can draw on God as our Infinite Source.
- To receive the Kingdom of God, we must open ourselves faithfully to follow God’s will and God’s way for our lives.
- Little children enter the Kingdom easily because they, as the humblest people in society, are filled with wonder, open and receptive to God and the world around them.
- Wonder (which includes delight, imagination, intuition, joy, and surprise) allows us to live in the now and feel touched by what we behold.
- In her 1964 book A Sense of Wonder, Environmentalist Rachel Carson wrote: “A child’s world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement. It is our misfortune that for most of us that clear-eyed vision, that true instinct for what is beautiful and awe-inspiring, is dimmed and even lost before we reach adulthood.”
Contemplation Questions:
As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:
- What sacred memories do I hold of my childhood, especially those times of wonder I discovered in the world around me?
- List, word map, or illustrate as many as you can remember.
- In what ways is my sense of wonder currently stifled or diminished?
- List, word map, or illustrate all the ways which apply.
- What are some things I loved as a child that I’m ready to rediscover?
- List, word map, or illustrate as many as you like.
- When I consider what I truly loved as a child, what are at least three (3) steps I can take to restore that sense of wonder to my life?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine.
- When I consider what I truly loved as a child, what are at least three (3) steps I can take to help at least one (1) other person restore a sense wonder to their lives?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine.
- When I consider my own children, or a child in my life, what are at least three (3) things I am willing to do to ensure that they maintain their sense of wonder as they grow?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine.
- Then, begin scheduling, and journaling or sketching what you do together. Save it as your own book of wonders to revisit when you need inspiration or comfort.
As you use this devotional, remember that God is with you, within you, and all around you, in the midst of everything in your life. During your times of contemplation and reflection, listen to your own still, small voice, especially the voice of your inner child who is reminding you of what you cherish.
And even if it feels silly at first, keep a childhood photo of yourself nearby. Look into your own eyes and behold the wonder of the radiant spirit that lived within you then and lives within you now. Let that radiant spirit help you recapture and embrace your true sense of wonder.
© 2022 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
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