A New Life

1 Peter 2:2 – As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. (KJV)

A wonderful gift was given to us at our recent Contemplative Prayer session — the presence of a newborn babe, a perfect little masterpiece, just five days old, who, for me at least, portrayed a powerful message.

For those unfamiliar with Contemplative Prayer, it is a time when participants enter into silent communion with God, an opportunity to open their minds to what He would like them to hear, a time to clear the "busyness" out of their minds, and just to be with Him. We've not had the likes of a little one in our midst before.

After I had cradled the new little life for a moment, his mother handed him to the minister, while I read the scripture, and we entered into silence. Short-lived silence. The baby began to fuss, so the minister slipped out into another room, where the baby broke into a boisterous bawl, desiring his mother's milk, something the minister said he was unable to supply!

As his mother slipped out and complied, he intermittently drank and continued to cry. There was minimal shuffling and shifting among the prayer participants. I know not what they were thinking.

It made me smile, for it seemed that the purpose of the little baby's presence was to remind us how like that little baby we are when we find new life in Christ. His drinking and crying reminded me of how once we are nourished, we yearn for more. As we sat silently, though not in silence, in the sanctuary, it seemed a strong, strong reinforcement of the message that through Christ's death and resurrection we are offered the opportunity for a new life, an everlasting life, a life as babes before Him.

Matthew 18:3 – And [Jesus] said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (KJV)

Prayer: O good and gracious God, who sacrificed Your Son that we may have everlasting life, may we strive to drink the milk of your word each and every day. Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.

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