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A Revisited Devotional from October 24, 1997
One of the newest members of my congregation is Jeffrey Alexander. He is nine months old. You should know two things about him. First, he loves to cuddle, and second, he can sleep anywhere. He teaches me things about trust.
I've heard lots of sermons about trusting God with one's life. I still have trouble with that. I think that most twenty-first-century people want to be in charge of things and to run their own lives. They may have trouble believing that God is to be trusted, or even have trouble believing in God, period.
Jesus said, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Luke 12:6-7 NIV) I think that little Alex, as he's called, at nine months, understands this better than I do.
I can be holding him during the fellowship hour, and he will nod off to sleep, right in my arms. He doesn't seem to care that I'm not one of his family. He has all the trust in the universe, as he snuggles in against my shoulder and drops off to sleep. To him, the world is a secure place, filled with loving people who care. He is free from grown-up hang-ups, and he can return that love freely.
Matthew's gospel records that one group of people who were full of grown-up concerns were the twelve disciples. They were asking, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus took a small child, stood him in their midst, and told them, "Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:4 NIV)
In time, Alex will learn other things about trust; but for now, let's allow him to help us learn about trust in God's kingdom.
Prayer: Lord, in this busy world, full of so many things that we think are important, help us remember that You do care for us, as a parent cares for a child. Lord, if we became more like children, the better adults we would be! In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Great reminder, Bruce.
Your message today was so full of food for thought. Thank you.
Bruce, a beautiful reminder in your writing today. Thank you so much.
Beautiful ‘picture’ of total trust. How I yearn to know His trustworthiness and to lean into Him as completely as an infant does. God bless.
Lovely! Jeffrey will be 27!
Thanks for sharing this touching story with wisdom that cannot fail.
(BC)
Bruce:
Thank you for your thoughtful message. I’m undergoing a serious health issue just now and your work reminds me that it’s all in God’s hands…!
(Ont)
Good morning, Bruce,
Alex sounds adorable and the trust a little one has is priceless and worth copying.
May we let go of our baggage and leave it at the cross and then just trust!!!!
God bless.
Good morning, Bruce,
A great message using the trust a baby has with his caregivers to remind us that God wants us to trust him with everything and know that He is always there for us no matter what is happening. It is a really good message written to help us visual that trust. Thanks for sharing your experience with Alex and your thoughts on what faith can mean. Blessings.
Thank you for this devotional, although written 27 years ago, still has the same delightful meaning. Little baby Jeffery felt secure being cuddled by those around him and we too can feel the same security of loving care from Jesus as He is ever there to serve us when we seek Him. He certainly deserves our gratitude along with our trust, respect and faithfulness.
Blessings for this writing and hopefully you might still have connection with Jeffery this many years later.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. To God be the glory!
Thanks Bruce,
I read a long time ago that babies determine very early that the world is a good, safe place …. or not (presumably parent-driven). Your young and trusting friend, I assume therefore, has loving parents.
(BC)