August 22

Written by Bill Grandi on August 22nd, 2019

My title for this devotion is Being Childlike vs Acting Childlike.

There is a young man in the church who thinks I am the “cat’s meow.” Scary, I know. He is 2 y/o so it would be easy to say he doesn’t know any better. 🙂 And I would agree. I love his mom and his dad but he comes more often with his grandmother. About 6 months to a year ago I gave him a 3 Feet Please bear because he had seen one in my office and reached for it. I made a friend for life! This past Sunday his grandmother told me his first words where “See Passy Bill.” (No comment on that please. 🙂 ) He waited patiently in the kitchen with her then made his way to see me.  I was talking to someone and he waited to say hi and for me to hug him. When I saw him, I said, “Excuse me” and picked him up and gave him a big hug. After church, he was at my office waiting and desired my attention again and I was happy to give it to him (along with a hug and another bear). I. LOVE. LITTLE. KIDS.

I was reminded of him this morning when I read from Matthew 21. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem the people were crying out “Hosanna!.” The religious leaders were indignant: “Do you hear what those children are saying?” Of course, He did. And He certainly didn’t discourage them!! On the contrary, Jesus loved children. He even used them as an example of the kind of faith we needed to have. We need to be childlike.

Then I read the story of Manasseh in 2 Chronicles 33.  One word describes it: U.G.L.Y.  He undid everything his father did right. Until he is captured. There is an interesting sequence of events recorded:

  • V.10- God speaks and neither Manasseh nor the people pay attention.
  • V.11- Manasseh is captured and bound with hooks and chains
  • V.12- Manasseh cries to God and God listens. He restores Manasseh to his kingdom.
  • Vv.14-17- Manasseh did what he should have done to start with. Trusted God and with childlike faith undid what he did.

That 2 y/o boy shows a childlike faith and love for me, which I happily and readily reciprocate.  Manasseh did not show that toward God. He arrogantly defied God and did his own thing. That begs a question: What kind of faith will God find in me? Will he find a childlike faith or one where I’m acting like a child?

“Father, please find in me a faith in you like that young boy  has in me. Waiting for you. Joyful in your presence and your loving hug.”

 

7 Comments so far ↓

  1. Amen. Me, too, LORD.

    And, Pastor Bill (I was going to say Passy Bill, but I won’t LOL), you are giving little Gannon a wonderful beginning to life in church. Hallelujah!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      Thanks Diane on two counts. First, for not calling me Passy Bill. and Second, for the encouraging words. Appreciate your comment.

  2. Ryan S. says:

    A new nickname? I am not sure I will be able to resist. In all seriousness… Having the joy and anticipation to meet God face to face like Gannon. Good thoughts.

  3. Oh, what a sweet relationship you’ve fostered with this young man, Bill, and I must say, I do like the nickname Gannon has given you. 🙂 May we all be childlike, not childish, as we come to our Father in prayer and worship.
    Blessings!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      I hope that relationship continues Martha. About that nickname…. Be careful. be very careful. Agree on your assessment of being childlike. Thanks for the comment.

  4. floyd says:

    I like that wrap up question. Being childlike in our faith is a lot different than being childlike. We tend to lose the childlike faith and replace it with childlike self centeredness.

    I’m with you, Bill. Little kids never fail to make me laugh or smile.