As We Prepare for VBS….

“And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.’ And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.” (Mark 10:13-16).

 I like these passages because of what they teach. It occurred to me that these passages fit right in to what we will be doing later this month, and what many congregations do every summer with the kids. Whether young or old, this is an encouraging passage for all involved in any sort of Children's ministry, whether it be Bible camp, Bible classes, or VBS. This passage tells us that we need to be accepting of several things.

We need to accept child-likeness.

 Jesus told them they need to accept the kingdom like a child. The kingdom of heaven belongs to child-like people. This means doing away with any self-centered ego. We are not to be worried about our greatness, or be puffed up with knowledge. We are to be humble, as a child is humble. It means even though we are all different, we are just glad to be in the family of God. They way into Heaven is very low to the ground. The only way to get in is to be like Jesus, on our knees, praying for others.

We need to accept the children.

 The disciples did not have time for children. The text says that Jesus was “indignant” with them. Can you imagine the stern look and firm voice he gave them as he lowered his voice and told them in no uncertain terms to let the children come? Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. He tells us and gives us an example of opening our arms to the children.

An application

 That is why we do things such as Bible camp, Sunday school and VBS. We do not do this for us, for our egos, or any other reason that focuses on ourselves. We do this for the children. We minister to them, mentor them, and help them to grow in the Lord. We get down on their level, sing with them, and yes, even shamelessly get goofy. Besides, all of life is not worship (that's another article for another day).

We are happy to be together. We are joyful as God's children to be in his family! So, let’s loosen up, and let’s not be afraid to show our joy, sing and be happy, splat the foolish man’s house, and tell that old devil to sit on a tack!  Love to all-preachertombowling@gmail.com