Shawn on 220305

Luke 18, Isa 25, 26

Scripture
Luke 18, v15-16, 39-43

5 Some of the people were bringing even their babies to Jesus, for him to touch them; but, when the disciples saw it, they began to find fault with those who had brought them.
16 Jesus, however, called the little children to him. "Let the little children come to me," he said, "and do not hinder them; for it is to the childlike that the Kingdom of God belongs.
39 Those who were in front kept telling him to be quiet, but he continued to call out the louder. "Son of David, take pity on me!"
40 Then Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. And, when he had come close up to him, Jesus asked him. 41 "What do you want me to do for you?" "Master," he said, "I want to recover my sight." 42 And Jesus said. "Recover your sight, your faith has delivered you."
43 Instantly he recovered his sight, and began to follow Jesus, praising God. And all the people, on seeing it, gave glory to God.

Observation
People closest to Jesus, his disciples, rejected people who wanted to call out to Jesus for healing and aid. Why? These were people who walked so close to Jesus should know His heart (they have previously seen him heal, cast out demons, perform miracles, etc), yet when people
came to Jesus, they acted as 'barriers'. They wanted to 'police' Jesus and in doing so, decided who could get close to Jesus and who couldn't/shouldn't.

Yet Jesus always stepped in and takes hold of the situation with much firmness. His character; steadfast, big hearted, compassionate, tore down all the pride and pretensions and sheer 'stupidity' of the disciples.

Application

I don't EVER want to behave like the disciples did. The personal and intimate knowledge of God and Jesus is to be shared and not policed. Yes, I have such a privilege being a 'christian'. And that shouldn't translate to pride. There are times where (no thanks in part to man-made structures in the church) positions of leadership gives a false sense of 'headiness' and power. We become mediators between people who want to know God and God Himself. In doing so, we may end up limiting what God really wants to do.

Prayer
Lord. Lord. God. Cut away all pretensions to 'power' and to 'authority'. Let me not limit your desires, your heart and your work in the world. Let me work in the way YOU want me to work. Let me catch the essence of your being; of Jesus' steadfast character. I want all aspects of your son to be assimilated in my character and I want it to burn out every selfish, evil and ugly parts of my person. Soften my heart and let it be of Christ. God, I am yours to wield. I look forward
to your continuing work in my life. In your most powerful name, Amen.