UPSIDE DOWN KINGDOM
Susan Murray
Today’s Scripture: “And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:3-4, NIV
Theme: Not power or greatness, but humility like that of a child is highly valued in the kingdom of heaven.
HUMBLE HELPLESSNESS
The best description that comes to me regarding kids is helplessness. As babies, they can’t do anything for themselves except cry, needing the constant care of their parents just to survive. Kids are humble in that they know they need help and will ask for it. Two-year-olds ask, “Daddy, will you tie my shoe?” Good dads love to meet their kids’ needs (Moms too). As kids grow up, they learn new skills and become more independent, gradually needing less help. That’s a good thing. Can you imagine tying your capable 30-year-old’s shoes?
CHILDLIKE VS CHILDISH
The sweet, humble helplessness of children also comes with sinful childishness. We have all seen kids being possessive, grabbing toys, saying “mine,” or having temper tantrums when they don’t get their way - “My will, not yours, Mama!” Kids will want to do things they cannot do themselves. It would be foolish to let a one-year-old use a sharp knife to cut up an apple for a snack. He may insist, with childish pride thinking he can, but you know the dangers, so you step in and rescue him, doing what he can’t do for himself.
PRIDEFUL GREATNESS
What gets in the way of adults remaining childlike is pride. We want to take pride in self. With a two-year-old’s childishness we say, “That's mine” of our possessions, skills, and influence. We want what is “mine” to be seen as great in our own eyes and the eyes of others, including God’s. Prideful greatness comes with comparison, working hard to earn greatness over others, which is how the kingdom of this world works. Yet it results in a restless heart. A self-sufficient belief tells us that it’s up to us to do what it takes to make our lives matter, to feel significant, to feel worthy of the kingdom of Heaven.
THE WAY UP IS DOWN
Jesus said we must change and become like children to enter the kingdom of heaven. How? Moving from the kingdom-of-this-world position of pride downward to the kingdom-of-heaven humility by admitting the truth: we are not self-sufficient but needy, helpless, and dependent. We are dependent on God for everything we have and do, including the coordination needed to tie our shoes. We are dependent on God’s grace to rescue us from the kingdom of hell into the kingdom of heaven. God did for us what we can’t do for ourselves, just like a good Father. He did it by humbling Himself, coming down to this earthly kingdom, taking the form of a baby, living a perfect, humble life, and dying humbly on a cross, so we--through faith--could become His children and be lifted into the kingdom of heaven.
Make It Personal: In what ways do you think you are better than others? Do you have a pride problem? (Hint: The answer is yes.) How hard is it for you to ask for help? Will you humble yourself and cry out to Jesus, admitting your need, whether it be the first time coming to Him for salvation or whether you need help daily to forgive, repent, be humble, to serve, and love others? God loves to help His kids. God loves to help YOU!
Pray: Abba Father, You are God with all-consuming power, yet You humbled Yourself, becoming weak to save me. I so often forget that. Forgive my pride and self-sufficiency today and help me cry out in dependence on You for the help that I need. Amen
Read: 2 Corinthians 3:5; Philippians 2:3; Psalm 149:4; Isaiah 66:2; 1 Peter 5:6; John 1:12
Weekly Memory Verse: “Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.” 1 Chronicles 29:12, ESV