The Kingdom of God

Bible Readings... Luke 17-18
Highlighted Verse... Luke 18:17 - I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.
Thoughts... Since the focus of verses 15 and 16 is on the children it is easy get caught up in ensuring that we bring the children to the Lord and that we take care not to hinder the children from seeking after God. While a worthy and necessary task, it misses another perspective that Jesus is trying to help us to see.
How it impressed me... When taken with a verse from chapter 17... The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation ... because the kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:20), we can see that new perspective. Jesus offers us the very Kingdom of God, and he wants to place it within us, if we will only receive it. Little children have a purity, innocence, and faith uncorrupted by the world around us and unconcerned with physics and scientific proof. We were visiting with some friends from church and their 4-year-old daughter took me by the hand to show me her princess kingdom. I'm certain that if offered the entire Kingdom of God, she would joyfully receive it, and ask for more. Jesus tells us we must do likewise if we wish to enter in. He is offering us much more than we can ever imagine if we will have it.
My response to God... Precious Jesus, still my heart, clear my mind, and steady my soul, so that I do not let the cares and worries of this world distract me from the vision that you have for me. Prepare me to receive your Kingdom that I may enter in.