DCLM Daily Manna 27 May 2023 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Entering As A Little Child
TOPIC: Entering As A Little Child (DCLM Daily Manna 27 May 2023)
KEY VERSE: “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).
TEXT: Matthew 18:1-6 (KJV)
1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
MESSAGE:
The story is told of two women who were discussing the topic of pride and began to wonder if Hudson Taylor was ever tempted to be proud due to his many accomplishments. One of the women decided to ask his wife who promised to find out. When Mrs. Taylor asked her husband if he was ever tempted to be proud about all the things he had done, he responded, “I never knew I had done anything”.
The disciples never expected the instructive and humbling response of Jesus when they asked him who among them should be accounted the greatest in heaven. Jesus simply taught them what it takes to get to heaven before talking about greatness there. He brought a little child into their midst to drive home His lesson of sincerity, tenderness of heart and innocence demonstrated by little children, which every new entrant to the Kingdom must demonstrate constantly. He equally highlighted the fact that those who offend young converts will receive severe punishment for working at cross purposes with God.
As young or mature adults, we should be humble enough to learn from the sincerity and innocence of little children. They do not keep a list of offences. They have absolute trust in their parents and when they smile, they do so genuinely. They are not diplomatic or cynical but very truthful.
Note that Christ is not recommending childishness but childlikeness (1 Corinthians 14:20). Unless our salvation is genuine and we obtain the grace for humility, sincerity, innocence and truthfulness, we cannot enter into the Kingdom or enjoy the fullness of its benefits
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Childlikeness is not a mark of weakness but of greatness.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Samuel 14
Deeper Life Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
