Food for the Journey
September 30, 2021
Devotion
by Ann Beck
Mark 10:15-16
Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
“Kids of the Kingdom, that’s who we are; Kids of the Kingdom, that’s who we are.
We – love – Je-e-sus! We love the Lord.
We – love – Je-e-sus! We love the Lord!”
Can you clap and sing along to that tune?? In case you don’t know, on the last lines we crouch low and then jump high on
je-SUS! Or for the younger ones, parent toss them up in the air!
It is pure joy to experience. Last Sunday morning, Sunday School families and others young at heart gathered outside in the preschool playground between services to sing and dance to favorite Sunday school songs. One couldn’t help but feel the happiness of children being together, and singing praise to God. Jesus obviously had a special place in his heart for kids; perhaps it is their readiness to accept love and respond with uninhibited joy and playfulness that he is referring to as the way to receive God’s kingdom. I was certainly reminded of that last Sunday, and have been tapping my toes frequently as the songs repeat in my head. Do you have a favorite Sunday school song in your memory? Try singing it with the gusto of a child – and see if the “joy, joy, joy, joy, down in your heart” doesn’t ‘bubble up!
Loving God, through grace your blessing is lovingly offered. Like a trusting child, help us to receive it with an open heart and a joyful response, letting this “little light of mine” shine for all to see. Amen