Mark 10:13-16 New Living Translation 13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. 14 When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16 Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. A lesson I once learned and will NEVER forget is that I have to make time for people no matter what. There was a day that a pastor of our local church and I were rushing down the stairs on a Sunday morning and A woman said, "Good morning" to him and he was in such a hurry, with good reason he was about to preach, that he didn't even hear her. As he was passing by she expressed her disappointment by saying, "If the pastor doesn't have time for his people we're in a really bad place." I will never forget those words. He did say good morning, apologized to her then went on to his pressing appointment. We all can get caught up and ignore the pleasant and needed interruptions that we get from time to time. They remind us that we don't live for activities, no matter how holy they are, but for people.
Jesus, just a chapter earlier, told his disciples, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” A lesson soon forgotten considering the disciples response to the parents bringing their children to Jesus so He could bless them, something that would have taken but a few minutes. Let us be alert to the opportunities God gives us to serve Him, they come in all shapes and sizes.
3 Comments
Alison
11/22/2016 10:36:26 pm
Super easy to get caught up with our schedule instead of focusing on people.... or cleaning the house instead of spending that time with my children... or staring at my phone instead of connecting with my husband.. .
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Miguel Crespo
11/23/2016 09:30:12 am
Amen. Sad that sometimes it takes tragedy to get our priorities straight but I'm so bullheaded I get them mixed up again and again.
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Beatriz
11/26/2016 11:34:01 am
Thank you for the gentle reminder. People first things second.
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