At our 11:00 worship services, after the Children’s Time, Breana takes the children to Children’s Church, which is an age appropriate way for our little ones to learn about God’s love and worship. It is something the children really look forward to.
At the 8:30 service, Children’s Church is not an option, which means the children are in the sanctuary with their parents for the entire hour. I am always amazed at what the children pick up from the sermon.
Yesterday, as I was greeting people after the 8:30 service, Lydia showed me what her beautiful daughter, Azrielle, had done while I was preaching the sermon.
Lydia showed me a piece of paper completely covered with unintelligible writing. Azrielle had explained to her mother it was a letter she had written to Jesus.
When Lydia asked what Azrielle had written, she said, “Dear Jesus, I’m sorry you got hurt.”
When Lydia told me this, the first thing that came to mind was, “Out of the mouths of babes,” which is a reference Jesus uses from Psalm 8. This is when the religious aristocracy of Jerusalem are offended by his healing ministry in the temple. In response, Jesus says, “From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise.” (Matthew 21:16)
Azrielle got it right.
Sometimes I think our children have a better grasp on the faith than we do.
Christianity is not complex. It revolves around two verses that tell us everything we need to know.
These are Jesus’ words: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17)
God loves you. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection you are saved. Believe and live your life in response to Jesus’ love for you. That’s pretty much sums up Christianity.
If this is still confusing, let me know. I will set up a meeting with Azrielle. She can do a much better job explaining the faith than I can. Again, “Out of the mouths of babes…”
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me to keep in my heart the simplicity of this wonderful belief in your child as my Savior. I pray my life is a reflection of the love I have for you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Now that I think about it, Azrielle may have been the only one really listening to my sermon. She is precious to me.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 