“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:1-3
At first glance from a pair of North American eyes, it would seem that the lives of these three Haitian children from Maissade are probably quite insignificant. After all, you and I are financially worth more than all of them will earn in their lifetime. The knowledge we currently have is at a higher level than they will ever attain. In our lifetime, we have accumulated more clothes, food and stuff than they can ever dream of having. We have a lot to be proud of, don’t we? The things that we hold of value on this side of Heaven may be important; in not how much we accumulate but how we use these things in this world serving Him and little ones like these two. This week, take a mental inventory of what you have and why you have it. Who is it serving? These three are very important; if they weren’t, our Heavenly Father would not have created them. He may need them for only a moment or for their lifetime of service. In the same manner, He is using us to accomplish His Will as He created us for a purpose. I am closing today with the words from the hymn ‘Tender Shepherd, Thou hast Stilled’ that were written by Johann W. Meinhold in 1833.
“Tender Shepherd, Thou hast stilled now Thy little lamb's brief weeping. Ah, how peaceful and how mild in its narrow bed 'tis sleeping! And no sigh of anguish sore heaves that little bosom more. In this world of pain and care, Lord, Thou wouldst no longer leave it; to Thy heavenly meadows fair lovingly Thou dost receive it. Clothed in robes of spotless white, now it dwells with Thee in light. O Lord Jesus, grant that we there may live where it is living, there the blissful pastures see that it heavenly food are giving. Lost a while our treasured love, gained forever, safe above.”
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.