Children
What Kids Are Saying These Days
Thursday, 28 October 2010 14:29
Last night during Kidz H.O.P., the children were asked the question: “If you had the chance to ask Jesus any question you wanted, what would you ask Him?” Their answers were priceless, and below are a few of their responses:
“I'm not trying to be funny, but I would ask for an unlimited supply of cheeseburgers.”
“What was it like to die on the cross?”
“To help me to be nicer”
“What is it like to forgive?”
“For a lot of money....like a hundred dollars”
“What was it like to die on the cross?”
“To help me to be nicer”
“What is it like to forgive?”
“For a lot of money....like a hundred dollars”
Their responses at first struck me as funny and innocent, but today as I was reflecting on their answers, I realized that as adults, we too have questions like these for Jesus....maybe the above questions look more like this in our adult minds....
“I'm not trying to be funny, but if you could play magician and magically supply for all my needs, that would be great.”
“Seriously, how did you do it? How did you die on the cross for MY sins...and the sins of those who offend me? What was it like? Would I be able to handle it if I truly knew what it was like for you to die on the cross?”
“Help me love others unconditionally.”
“What is it like to forgive somebody...and to then move on and still love them?”
“Please provide for me during this financially difficult time. I need a financial miracle.”
“Seriously, how did you do it? How did you die on the cross for MY sins...and the sins of those who offend me? What was it like? Would I be able to handle it if I truly knew what it was like for you to die on the cross?”
“Help me love others unconditionally.”
“What is it like to forgive somebody...and to then move on and still love them?”
“Please provide for me during this financially difficult time. I need a financial miracle.”
These questions made me realize that we all have to a certain degree, warped versions of who God really is. He isn't a magician that magically puts dinner on the table for our families. He is the Alpha and Omega- through Him all things are possible...which makes Him much greater than a magician. He sacrificed His only child...think about that one for just 30 seconds. Can you imagine bringing your child into the world only to watch him or her die an excruciatingly painful death for the misdeeds of all mankind? Seriously...take a couple seconds to ponder that.
Through God, and the death of Jesus, we have the ability to unconditionally love others and “to be nicer.” But how many times do we ask this of Him? Instead we pray, “God, please change my child's heart, please change my work situation, please help me make it through the day, God please....” What would our lives look like if we began to pray, “God, please teach me how to love others unconditionally”? I think we would began to experience extreme life change. But instead, we have the tendency to view God as a listener...always willing and wanting to listen to our complaints. I think God sent His Son to change and teach us...not to just simply listen to our problems.
Not only does God enable us to love unconditionally, but He also enables us to forgive...unconditionally. Why is it that we ask God to help us forgive others, but ten seconds later, we're upset & bitter all over again? “God, please show me and help me to understand what it is like to forgive others the way you forgave me...on the cross.”
Finances...do I even touch this one? Well, I've already been brutally honest, so why not continue? I know I've often prayed, “God, please provide for us this month, I have no idea how we're going to make it...I trust that you will provide, but please help me to reflect that trust in my actions & thoughts.” Handing over our finances and trusting God to provide is absolutely not the norm in our culture. Good thing Jesus wasn't the norm for His either.
Last Updated ( Friday, 05 November 2010 09:44 )
