Become like little children...

I am just 2 days into my first Beth Moore study (Jesus, the One and Only) and I am already amazed at the thought invoking dialogue and the new lens I have been blessed with. Seeing His word come alive and "walking" His path, I feel like a child again.

Today's lesson compared two very similiar happenings in the prophesy of Christ. First Zechariah was told of the son he would finally be blessed with after waiting so long. The other, a virgin, who would become the vehicle with which our Savior would come to earth to be with us, was told of her future state. That she would birth Our King.

Both of these are miracles. Both were spoken by the mouth of the Angel Gabriel while the recipients were alone. The difference comes in how the messages were received. Zechariah questioned, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years?" (Luke 1:18) Mary asked the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:34) Just looking at the two situations it is easier for me to believe the happenings of Zechariah's situation. Because it takes two, a man and a woman to create a baby. We have heard of women having 'miracle babies' after being told by specialists they could never bare a child. And he also had the recount of Sarah, Abraham's wife. But you can also see where Zechariah's wisdom or age clouded his mind with the ailments of an aging body. (Some times questions that come with age are a hinderance and cause angels to bind our tongues!)

Then you go onto Mary. A child herself in today's standards. Old enough to know the how's, but young enough to trust completely the words that penetrated her soul. After hearing that, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God....For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:35-37) She replied, "I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38)

There is a reason why God chose her. She was highly favored we read. But let us go even further. Her youthfulness provided an innocence that we should all seek. Children love so purely. They trust completely. They worship without restrictions. They celebrate with their entire being. That is what He asks of us.

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3

Lay down your judgements. Those that you have of yourself. Those that you have of others. Look differently, with the eyes of a Savior. Allow your heart to Love as a child. Dance and worship for God and Him alone! And trust in Him. Better yet, TRUST HIM! Remember....

"Your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:8

Thank you Father for another opportunity to serve you this day. I pray that your word stirs in the hearts of your people, those that you seek and those that are walking with you. Allow us to lay this world down. Strengthen our love relationship with you. Ignite a passion, where seeking your face is all that consumes our days and nights. Make us like little children, submissive to your will for our lives. For YOU are ALL that MATTER! My life is yours! In your precious name, Amen.