Just Like A Child

Monday, March 10, 2014
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Blessed Assurance"1 (Lyrics)

Every once in a while, we are confronted with statements that question whether the stories in the Bible accurately describe those events or whether they even happened, so many years ago. Many of those events are ones on which our Christian faith is based. Sometimes, these statements are made in discussions that we may have with someone individually or in a group. Sometimes, they take the form of a magazine or newspaper article.

Most of these expressed observations are intended to create doubt about the basis of our faith. How can you believe that the world was created in six days, or how is it possible that Noah had two of every kind of animal in the world in the ark? A lot of the New Testament healings and miracles are often referred to. And indeed, there are a great many things which are hard to explain and difficult to accept, for sure. Many individuals and scholars have questioned and are still pondering the accuracy of the Bible. Many people, who at one time believed, are now doubtful. They just don't believe "that stuff" anymore, so they say.

Mind you, this is not a new phenomenon. Jesus commented on this problem:

Matthew 11:18-19 – For John [the Baptist] came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, "He has a demon." The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, "Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!" But wisdom is justified by her children. (NKJV)

Then, as now, people did not believe in Him:

Matthew 11:25 – At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes." (NKJV)

Matthew 19:13-14 – Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (NKJV)

I think that Jesus is telling us that we should not try to understand everything; we should not attempt to explain everything. We should be like a child; we should have a childlike faith. We should accept the words of Scripture, plain and simple, and not try to analyze every word and every situation and every event. In many cases, it just brings doubt and confusion.

I don't think that we should get bogged down in some of the hard-to-understand passages but rather accept the comfort that faith in Christ gives us under all circumstances on a daily basis. We should trust Him, have faith in Him, and believe, just like a child.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, there are so many times when we are confronted with controversial statements and ideas as they relate to Your Word, and we ask that You will continue to give us comfort from the words of Scripture as they speak to our hearts. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share this devotional on Facebook     Like PresbyCan on Facebook

About the author:

Joel Jongkind <austria67@bmts.com>
Meaford, Ontario, Canada

Send your feedback to the author

1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Very true Joel.


    Good thoughts indeed, especially with all the new ‘God’ movies coming out!


    Hey Joel, thank you so much for the study today. Each time I read your message it helps me. My own personal faith has been and remains much like a childs. I study some and try to grow but the bottom line for me seems to remain on how much God loves even me and how he shows me this Love. God for me is Love and all of my atttemps at spiritual growth seem to only confuse me and back I turn to my childish faith. I am thankful for the study this morning.


    Hello
    Many times, as the time draws nearer to the end time, you’ll hear more about, what is truth? Yes, to hold dearly to God’s word, that Jesus proclaimed is of great value. Because, by it we can see clearly why these things that are taking place today, are the sure sign of the coming times. The current great falling away, The Tribulation, 1000 year reign of Christ, and Satan being loosed for a short time. Also, shortly, the rapture of the Saints, the Body or Bride of Christ, that is spared from the terrible times that are to come.
    (USA)


    You really have addressed a situation that gave me trouble for a long time. On the one hand I knew that I didn’t understand everything and that was a decision I made right at the start, when I was about 32 years old. I realized that I just needed to “buy into it” and allow understanding to come. It was mind boggling how that was the key to my faith, and I’ve never forgotten it. However, when people in a group of believers begin to question everything as if I should know since I believe, my confidence can be quite shaken, but only until I’m alone with The Lord again and He is so very real, as He addresses all my questions and worries, just by reading His Word in my regular way. Now I expect His input every morning and I receive it, and all because I have never insisted on understanding everything before choosing to believe and trust Him. I sure love to hear it expressed by someone like you. That really boosts my faith and confidence in myself, and my decision to trust in Him. Blessings on your day Joel.


    Good word Joel!
    I totally agree that we don’t really need to explain everything in the word of God.
    People just question so they will not have to submit their lives to Jesus.
    Blessings.


    Isn’t it so true Joel, that the only answer to all questions is “JESUS LOVES YOU”. AND THAT’S ALL WE NEED TO KNOW.
    Blessings.

Previous Post
«
Next Post
»
 



PresbyCan is a community of faithful, Holy Spirit-filled, Christ-centred, God-honouring Christians.