Mid-Week Musings

September 25, 2024

Suggested Reading: Mark 9:36-37

Dear NBRC Family & Friends,

For Jesus to have taken a little child in His arms might not strike us as being all that unusual. After all, we’re accustomed to adults taking children in their arms. Parents cuddle their children. Grand and great-grandparents look forward to holding grand and great-grandchildren. Children are held to comfort them, to offer them a sense of security and protection, and as an expression of being loved. However, when Jesus’ disciples saw Him take a little child in His arms, it might have struck them as having been very unusual.

You might remember from the sermon delivered Sunday morning, September 22, that in Jesus’ day children were not viewed favorably. They were considered among the lowest in society. They were looked upon more as property than as individuals. They were to be seen and not heard. In Jesus’ day, children had no rights of their own. They had little status.

Imagine how surprised Jesus’ disciples must have been when they saw Him welcome a child! Considering how children were viewed in Jesus’ day, the example of Him having taken a little child in His arms makes me think about how I treat those who are generally not viewed favorably in society today. Am I willing to welcome those of little status? Am I willing to interact with them? Am I willing to make them feel loved? Are you? Are we as a church family?

Prayer suggestion: As you pray, ask God to help you welcome others, even those considered among the lowest in society.

Hope to be with you Sunday in person or online!

Pastor Ron

(Next Sunday morning, September 29, the Scripture lesson will be from Mark 9:38-50. The sermon title is Stumbling Block or Stepping Stone?)