Children of God

Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
John 3:1-3 + Matthew 18:1-4 + 1John 3:1
March 22, 2023

I have been reviewing again the telling of Nicodemus and his encounter with Christ in which Jesus declares “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

As I am studying, I am also preparing for my grandchildren to come and play at Oma’s house while their parents do their work. It is interesting to note that the text I have been studying is a reminder that God has no grandchildren, He only has children. The encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus is one in which Nicodemus is being exposed to the reality that he cannot depend on anything, any tradition, or even his lineage to ensure his salvation, it is only through a spiritual new birth that he, and anyone, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Isn’t it wonderful how much God loves us that he allows each one of us to choose Him daily as our loving Heavenly Father! The Apostle John states it well; “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” When my grandchildren come over to spend the day with me, I try my very best to just focus on them. Housework and church work take a back seat, there are 24 hours in the day and seven days in the week for me to choose other times and days to work, this is precious memory making, Jesus sharing, creative problem-solving time for us together. God does the same for each one of his children. He lavishes his love and attention on us, and we ought to take time to thank him and consider how we might love others into the Kingdom. Take note, that this will be very humbling.

God has a word for this too; “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18: 3-4).

I am often humbled by my kids and grandkids, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Some of the best lessons about in humility have come through my time with them. Some of the best lessons in humility have also come from my time with my Heavenly Father.

Max Lucado states it well; “Humility is the soil out of which the fruit of the Spirit grows”.

AMEN!