Mark 10:13-16 (NRSV)
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them.
But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.
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.
On Fridays under this new format for Worship Song Reflections, we look back at the readings from the Revised Common Lectionary for this week and sit prayerfully with some of the common themes found in them.
This week there has been a strong focus on prophecy, but alongside that is a common theme of children. Did you catch it?
God calls Jeremiah to be a prophet, but Jeremiah claims to be too young.
The psalmist declares that God has been his trust “from my youth.”
Paul speaks of “putting an end to childish ways.”
And even though Jesus doesn’t speak of children, in some ways it seems that the people of Nazareth can’t see him as anything but “Joseph’s boy.” They refuse to accept the man (and prophet) he has become.
The life of discipleship is often one of contradictions. On the one hand, we’re called to seek maturity in our faith and mission, but on the other we’re encouraged to remain childlike. It’s a delicate balance, but an important one. But on both sides of that balance there is a glorious, inescapable truth—we are God’s children.
For today’s time of worship and reflection, you’re invited to simply sit with God in that invitation to be his child, whatever that might mean for you. Have you found yourself drowning in self-seriousness? Spend some time asking God to rekindle that joyful, childlike trust. Have you put off some serious soul work that God is asking you to pay attention to? Perhaps use this time to prayerfully recommit yourself to the growth into which God is inviting you.
Below you’ll find three songs on this theme of being children of God. For reflection today take some time to prayerfully read through the lyrics and let God’s Spirit guide you into prayer and meditation on what it means for you to be a child of the Most High God.
Song: “Who You Say I Am” by Hillsong Lyrics
Who am I that the highest King
Would welcome me
I was lost but He brought me in
Oh, His love for me
Oh, His love for meWho the Son sets free
Oh, is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes, I am
Free at last
He has ransomed me
His grace runs deep
While I was a slave to sin
Jesus died for me
Yes, He died for me
Who the Son sets free
Oh, is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes, I am
In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God
Yes, I am
I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am
Song: “Let the Children Come” by Michael Card
Jesus looked so weary
from the worries of the day
But the look on His face lighted
when the children came His way
Before He could reach out to them
and join them in their play
His grown-up adult followers
told the kids to go away
Let the children come
Don't dare drive them away
In them the kingdom comes
Hear the holy, foolish things they say
The springtime of their life decides
the adults they'll become
So let the children come
Please let the children come
The golden gift of childhood
Last a lifetime if you try
The simple trusting faith they hold
Keeps scholars mystified
And so the Lord adopts us
as His daughters and His sons
The Kingdom is for Children
So please let the children come
Let the children come
Don't dare drive them away
In them the kingdom comes
Hear the holy, foolish things they say
The springtime of their life decides
the adults they'll become
So let the children come
Please let the children come
Song: “Children of the Heavenly Father (Instrumental)” by Kendra Logozar
Children of the heav’nly Father
safely in his bosom gather;
nestling bird nor star in heaven
such a refuge e’er was given.
God his own doth tend and nourish;
in his holy courts they flourish.
From all evil things he spares them;
in his mighty arms he bears them.
Neither life nor death shall ever
from the Lord his children sever;
unto them his grace he showeth,
and their sorrows all he knoweth.
Though he giveth or he taketh,
God his children ne’er forsaketh;
his the loving purpose solely
to preserve them pure and holy.