Daily Reading 12-28-16
Matthew 18:1-7,10 New Living Translation (NLT)
Learning to be submissive to authority always calls for humility; a state of being humble begins with respect and submission. Father God calls us to respect Him and submit ourselves to what He speaks over our lives. This is the process for entering His Kingdom. Jesus uses the example of a child to teach his disciples about this state of being humble, because some of his followers had become self-centered and competitive.
Think about the Christ child. Jesus said to welcome a humble child with a sincere heart is to welcome Him. May we open our hearts to others around us who demonstrate a sincere heart toward God, because to do so is to welcome and connect to Christ.
Matthew 18:1-14 The Greatest in the Kingdom
18 About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”
2 Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. 3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
5 “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf[a] is welcoming me. 6 But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.
7 “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.
10 “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.[c]
Prayer: Father, as I encounter others today please let me notice their hearts first and pray for their continued growth in Your love. In my own life, help me to turn from sin and rebellion against You, so I will not be a stumbling block to the faith of others who are seeking You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.