Day 4: That He might touch them
And they were bringing children to Him that He might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them (Mark 10:13 – ESV).
Loving God, our Lord Jesus showed us Your heart as Abba, Father, the One who opens His heart and His arms and says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Mark 10:14).
Thank You for Your word, O Lord. Thank You, that it is like a mirror (James 1:22-25). Thank You that in its raw and honest portrayal of humans just like us, it shows us our own hearts.
In the actions of the disciples, we see so much of ourselves and our human leanings towards pride, competition, unkindness, withholding, and impatience. And in the actions of Jesus, we see all that is so startlingly and radically different, and unexpected, and extraordinary, and loving, and kind, and wise.
Lord, we look at You, and we look at us, and we cry out, like Peter, ‘Leave me, Lord! I’m a sinner!’ (Luke 5:8 - NTE). But instead of leaving us, You teach us, and rebuke us, and correct us, and train us in righteousness, so that we are thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Search our hearts today. Revise our mental catalogs. Cleanse in us all that is territorial, and excluding, and limiting, and hindering. Show us the hidden attitudes of bias, pride, and prejudice that dare rebuke those who seek You—that dare put barriers or stumbling blocks in their way. Let our attitudes invite all into the grace of Jesus that He might touch them.
Remind us of the words of the Savior, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). Remind us that that includes us. Remind us of Your amazing grace.
“Whosoever heareth,” shout, shout the sound! Spread the blessed tidings all the world around; Spread the joyful news wherever man is found: “Whosoever will may come.”
Refrain: “Whosoever will, whosoever will,” Send the proclamation over vale and hill; ’Tis a loving Father calls the wand’rer home: “Whosoever will may come.”
Whosoever cometh need not delay, Now the door is open, enter while you may; Jesus is the true, the only Living Way: “Whosoever will may come.”
“Whosoever will,” the promise secure, “Whosoever will,” forever must endure; “Whosoever will,” ’tis life forevermore: “Whosoever will may come.”
~ Philip P. Bliss ~ Published 1870
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