A Little Child Shall Lead Them

Isaiah 11:6 – The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. (KJV)

I know that God has promised to be in the midst of His people when they gather in His name, but somehow that summer Sunday morning, I wasn't expecting much. Our pastor was away and so was half of our already small congregation. But I got ready, and, somewhere between home and church, God and I had a talk, and I found myself praying for a special revelation of His presence.

True to my expectations, the visitors outnumbered our regulars. "All the more reason that those of us who are home should keep the church going," I thought to myself, as I sang the hymns and listened to the scripture portions. About fifteen minutes into the service, two couples with six children entered the sanctuary and, as is often the case when people arrive late, they had to take the front seats. From their orderly conduct and ease of entering into the worship, it was easy to tell that they were used to attending church. Another affirmation of my prayer about why we should gather at church even in the summer, I decided: for our visitors.

The visiting pastor that morning chose to speak from a lectern at the front of the church in order to be nearer his small congregation. However, when it was time for the children's story, he called them to come forward to the platform. Until then, no one had noticed anything unusual about the small boy in the neat white shirt and navy shorts, but as he was moving forward, he stumbled. One of his friends came alongside and took his hand, "Timothy can't see," he said by way of explanation. The small child's compassion for his un-sighted friend spoke to the entire congregation of Christ's teaching: a little child shall lead them.

But it wasn't until the prayer time that the full meaning of our Lord's words, "A little child shall lead them" was fully illustrated. Just before the message, the pastor asked if anyone would like to say a word of prayer. Eight-year old Timothy didn't wait. Immediately he began to pray. "Thank you, God, for coming to church." His voice was loud and clear. "Thank you for this pretty day. And I'd like to pray for my aunt. Help her to get out of her coma. But if she doesn't, that's okay, God, because I know she'll be with you. Love Timothy."

This morning God used a blind child to teach a sighted adult a spiritual lesson. When we gather in His name, God has promised to be in our midst and He was.

Isaiah 40:31 – But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)

Prayer: God, help us as your people to be still and know that you are God, for you have promised if our hope is in the Lord, you will renew our strength. Amen.

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