Why Lent?
To that question, I answer with another question (I know you aren’t supposed to do that!)…
Why not Lent?
People who know “things” say if you do something or not do something for 40 days, it becomes habit. I am uncertain what I am going to deny myself of this Lenten Season – I believe the Lord will show in the nick of time but right now I don’t have an inkling.
He definitely insisted on my writing 40 Days of Lent: the people, places and events surrounding the Passion. God put that book on my heart three or four years ago and I kept putting it off – this past December He got real bossy and said, “Now.”
I want to share one of the “days” from the book today.
14 King’s kids
Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Luke 18.15-17
Three verses, that’s it, but when you read them? You get it! You see the heart of God. Jesus loved the little children – all the children of the world – red and yellow, black and white, ALL are precious in His sight!
Don’t mess with the faith, the innocence, the tenderness of a child unless you want to suffer some serious consequences.
Isn’t it interesting the disciples began rebuking the people who were bringing their babies and their children to receive a blessing from Jesus. Let’s keep in mind the twelve had been traveling with Jesus for just shy of three years – this happened in the months prior to the crucifixion – they are on their way to Jerusalem. One would think by now, they would know the heart of Christ.
Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddeus, Simon, Judas — WHAT WERE YOU GUYS THINKING?
It is with child-like faith we confess and repent. It doesn’t have to be with grown-up words and long, liturgical platforms – the Lord just wants us to come to Him. To allow ourselves be crushed and undone at the foot of cross. To snot and snork and lie prostrate at His holy, blessed feet.
It is there the healing comes. The cleansing. The purification. Just like a child, even if we’re 79 years old! That’s when we become King’s Kids! And, the King is a good, good Father!
† As we draw closer to Jerusalem on our Lenten journey, can we put aside the grown-up responsibilities and expectations and take the time to sit at His feet? With child-like faith and complete loyalty, share in the sufferings of our Savior?
“The” book is ready – are YOU?
xo
Good Morning Honey! Yes! This is so very true, to come to our Lord , like a child with sweet innocent who doesn’t hold back. This is Beautiful! I’m sharing this honey!
Thank you for always sharing AND caring, HM.
Learning to know the heart of Christ.
I can’t think of any better reason for celebrating Lent.
You have such a good way of getting to the point, Susan.
Taking no prisoners!!!! Love you, you wordsmith Michele. Xo
I love how Jesus turns things around from what everyone expected! Sometimes I look at myself and the way I approach life and I’m suddenly so grateful He calls the children to come to Him. It feels like I live my life so much like a little child….I pout when I don’t get what I want, I question everything, I ask Him for things that may not be best for me the way a little one asks for endless candy. But knowing His heart, knowing His love for the little ones, that makes me think even in my most immature moments He is there loving me fully.
FULLY. Completely. ALL. Totally. Overflowing. Abundantly.
Susan, I am so very grateful that our Lord truly keeps it simple – be like a child. Come as you are. Just come. Such a beautiful invitation to come to Him and just be with Him.
“Come just as you are!” Wish I could think of the next line of that song. Xo
This is one of my favorite things to read about Jesus – how he loved the children. And we are also His children and He loves us, too, all the time, with all our messiness. Thanks for the reminder, Susan.
Blessings to you! xo
Even with our messiness, we are children and He bids us COME!
Jesus is clear in his message but we make it harder than it needs to be. I guess I am like the disciples in that way. I have your book ready to go. Thank you for letting God work through you friend to create this message.
Mary, excited you are going to be reading along with me on the 40 days!!!
I used to think Lent was something that only Catholics focused on, but I am realizing how important it is. I’m still working on what I’m going to give up. Right now I feel like I need to give up things that distract me from being present in my life. Saying yes, when the to do list makes me feel like I need to say no to my boys. 🙂
Amanda, me too!!!! My sister is reading THE BEST YES and loves it!!!
Let the little children come! You’re speaking my language friend! 🙂 Love THIS: “It is with child-like faith we confess and repent. It doesn’t have to be with grown-up words and long, liturgical platforms – the Lord just wants us to come to Him. To allow ourselves be crushed and undone at the foot of cross. To snot and snork and lie prostrate at His holy, blessed feet.”
Let the children come!
Sus….this is wonderful! Just what I needed to read tonight. Lent always sneaks up on me….not sure what that says about me! Child like faith….sounds so simple but sometimes not! Thank you for your faithful posts Susan. I count on them every Wednesday! And you never disappoint! Love and hugs….
Now, THIS? Is melodic to a writer’s ear!!! (((xo)))
Just ordered more copies……..what a great gift to give a friend. Thank the good Lord for you and the gift He has given you. Love you.
THANK YOU KATHY!!! Thank you ever so much.
Jesus loves all the children of the world, young or old. A good read Sue. I am a bit behind here with company/family wedding the last couple weeks but I have started “smaller” portions of meals this Lenton season. Happy belated to Lowell also Glad you enjoyed your trip to Florida. Hugs Merry
Merry, I traveled with your phone number in my purse – got too crazy and didn’t call. 🙁