Storybook Children

Storybook children

run to see Jesus.

Storybook children are happy,

well behaved,

neatly dressed children.

The littlest ones on His lap sit still

while others stand at His side

or sit on green grass near His feet.

They all smile nicely.

But what about the children

who are too wiggly to sit still,

or forget to stay out of the mud,

or have green, runny noses,

or disrupt others,

or whine, or cry,

or are over-stimulated or tired?

What about the children

who demand attention,

or are mad, or bad, or sad,

or fight with each other

about who gets to sit on Jesus' lap first?

And what about the children

who are too little,

or are unable to walk,

or have physical or mental impediments?

What about the children

who have experienced abuse,

or rejection,

or oppression

or fear

or lack protection or provision or resources?

Which of these children
were more likely the ones
who were brought to Jesus
for his touch?

...the storybook children
who had their act together,
who were careful to not reveal any blemish,
who were self-sufficient?

...or the children
who were unable to function independently,
who were incapable of either faith or willful unbelief,
whose need for God's merciful touch
stemmed from His sovereignty
because God, in His grace, chose to redeem them?

"And they were bringing children to Him

that He might touch them,

and the disciples rebuked them.

"But when Jesus saw it,

He was indignant

and said to them,

"'Let the children come to me;

do not hinder them,

for to such belongs the kingdom of God.

Truly, I say to you,

whoever does not receive the kingdom of God

like a child

shall not enter it.'

"And He took them in His arms

and blessed them,

laying His hands on them."

~Mark 10:13-16