Like a Little Child

by Darla Noble

Jesus summoned them, saying, “Allow the little children to come to me, and don’t hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Most certainly, I tell you, whoever doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.”

Luke 18:16-17

When I read the words Jesus spoke in these verses I can’t help but think about the way my son used to say my name (Momma) when he was a toddler. It wasn’t his articulation that makes it memorable. He said “Momma” as clearly as an adult. It wasn’t how he said it that still rings clear and precious in my heart and in my mind. He never said it with a question mark at the end of it. He never said it as if he were afraid or disappointed. When he said “Momma” he said it with confidence, pride, and even relief. He was both sure and glad about it.

Jesus wants us to do the same. He wants…even longs for us to have that same confidence when we come to Him and call Him Savior. He wants us to be confident in knowing who He is as well as knowing we can trust Him.

Jesus wants us to be proud to belong to Him…to be saved by His blood. Not an arrogant pride or one that gives the impression of superiority, but a pride that says we believe and live the words of Romans 1:16. That says,

For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.

Romans 1:16

Jesus wants us to feel relieved—relieved that we don’t have to worry about anything because He’s got it all covered. He wants us to feel the relief that comes in knowing that our future is secure when we give ourselves to Him.

Come to Jesus as a child. Say His name with confidence, pride, and relief.