Day 164: Childlike

Mark 10:1-31; 2 Samuel 23; Hosea 3

Jesus says that we must be like children. Children believe with all their being, they mimic those they love, many have rich compassion for others. Little children aren't skeptics, they don't need justification for something, and they don't question the truth. But there is a difference between being childlike and being immature. I'm sure some people read these verses and think that Jesus is saying they need to be uninformed, or inexperienced, or unimportant. That's not it at all. Jesus made sure to spend time with these children because they are valuable. It's important that as followers of Jesus, we learn to believe with all our being, mimic the one we love, and have rich compassion.

The rich young ruler didn't have to go away sad. If he really wanted to follow Jesus, and that was where he heart was, he would have rejoiced knowing how to enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus tells us that we will be rewarded if we give up father, mother, siblings, children, and possessions. What's the reward? A hundred-times more awesomeness. By giving up worshiping our biological family and personal possessions, we can worship the Creator and gain the connection to a huge spiritual family and eternal life. I think when it comes to this decision, we often focus too much on what we have to give up for Jesus, rather than focusing on all that we gain.

Why does 2 Samuel chronicle the warriors and their deeds? The Israelites liked their chronology and history, but I also think that as David was dying, this was an encouragement to the people. It showed them that hey, look how awesome these dudes are because "the Lord gave Israel a great victory." It would be awesome to have a story (of real people) who have done such amazing things. Take today's icons, people who have accomplished incredible feats--they are our inspiration. See, just like we have awesome famous people, Israel did, too.

Then you have Hosea who keeps getting told to marry disgraced or unfaithful women, all to prove a point from God. That would be rough. But the whole point is that Hosea was to love his unfaithful wife no matter what. Even more powerful, God loves people even though we are so unfaithful to him. This isn't really a story about poor Hosea (even though I do feel a little sorry for the fella), but it is about God's devotion to us. That's real love, people.