“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14
This week is one of the most exciting weeks of the year for me! This is the week of Vacation Bible School! I have been privileged to teach a class of first-grade boys for several years, and despite the fatigue that creeps in every night after they leave for home, working with these young ones fills my heart with incredible joy every year!
Last night, the Lord led me to share the gospel story, and several of the boys accepted Christ as their Saviour! (Do you think I was on a spiritual high last night? Yes, indeed! All to the glory of God!) Witnessing a child open their heart to the gospel is such a blessed experience. Children are so sweet and trusting, and so accepting of the message of Jesus. When they ask questions, they are genuinely seeking answers, and they respond enthusiastically to the love and truth from God’s Word! They are so eager for what God has for them! And then, when they pray, their words are simple, pure, and from the heart. It is such a blessing to work with children!!
Last night, each boy stated that they knew they had sinned (done “bad things” in their lives) and wanted Jesus to forgive them. Their sweet prayers were simple and direct. There were no specific words they had to pray… no special formula. Each one, in their own special way, asked Jesus to forgive them, and then afterwards, each one stated to one of the workers in our class that they were going to be in heaven one day! This is what VBS is all about! There was great rejoicing in our classroom that night as we cleaned up!
Salvation should never be a process in which an individual has to jump through hoops to become part of God’s family. The Bible specifically states that there is nothing we can do to merit God’s forgiveness; it is a gift from Him. Titus 3:5 states, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” These boys were not guaranteed eternal life in heaven because of baptism, communion, church attendance, giving of tithes, or even coming to VBS. Their eternal security came simply from trusting Jesus Christ as their Saviour and accepting His forgiveness of their sins. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Salvation is solely a GIFT from GOD. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Not sure about that? Think about the thief on the cross. When he asked for Jesus to remember him, the Lord did not say, “It’s too late. You’ve never been baptized; you’ve never gone to church; you’ve never served me sacrificially.” Instead, our Saviour assured that repentant criminal that because of his faith, he would be with Jesus that very day in paradise.
What about the age of my boys? Isn’t 6 or 7 years old too young? It isn’t the number of years that determines one’s readiness for salvation, it’s the understanding in the heart that is the determining factor, and that is not what anyone can judge. We are merely the tools that God uses to help children come to Christ. If the Holy Spirit is working on the heart of a first-grade boy, who am I to say that child is not ready for salvation? My heart’s prayer is, “Lord, use me to help this young one understand your love for him and his need for Jesus.” Maybe I am simply to plant the seed. Maybe I am to water a seed that has been previously planted. Maybe… just maybe… I am to lead that child to Jesus for salvation! It doesn’t matter how God chooses to use me; my responsibility is to be ready and available for His use!!
Jesus admonished his disciples when they stepped in to stop parents from bringing their children to him. He wanted the little ones to come to him. May I never stand in the way of anyone who is seeking Jesus, no matter the age, social status, past history, race, gender, or economic status. Jesus went to the cross for each one of us.
Some of the greatest joys in my life have been the times when God has allowed me to lead someone to Christ. Maybe you’re not sure what to say? Allow the Holy Spirit of God to work through you. Luke reassures us that God will enable you in any situation. “And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.” (Luke 12:11-12) The easiest way to share Christ is to share what He has done for you! Philemon 1:6 reminds us, “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”
Think you could never lead someone to Christ because you never went to Bible college or even taught a Sunday school class? Jesus chose common people to spread his gospel throughout the entire known world. Some were fishermen; one was a bill collector; one was a tent maker; some were shepherds… this list goes on. Be assured that whosoever God will call, He will also equip to accomplish His will. All He asks is that you be willing to share Christ with others. God promises He will do the rest!
Jesus calls the children dear, “Come to Me and never fear,
For I love the little children of the world; I will take you by the hand,
Lead you to the better land, for I love the little children of the world.”
Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in His sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
(from “Jesus loves the Little Children” by C. Herbert Woolston & George Root)
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” – 3 John 1:4
**********
There’s a world out there, both children and adults, that desperately need Jesus. Won’t you share Him with someone today?
GLORY TO GOD!