LUKE 18:15-30 SEEING FROM GOD'S EYES I watched a group of people last night ages ranging from infancy to old age. Some were small enough to spend most of their time in their parents’ arms. The oldest in their eighties were stooped and slow. In between were all ages, some in their vibrant youth, some in the strongest time of life, some looking for meaning in their lives, some quite well off financially - many different walks and stages of life. Which ones were most important? In God's eyes - who was most significant to Him in the kingdom of God? Parents brought their children to Jesus when He was here among men because they realized the significant of the touch of the Master. A blessing from God in early life can be fruitful all through life. Our children need to be made conscious of God and His grace from infancy. The minds of little children are open to impressions that remain for life. Guidance from parents needs to be more than passing on skills and stories. They need, and can learn, the wisdom from above that guides decision making, morals and righteous living, the value of truth, the nature and Person of God and the saving work of Christ. Parents and grandparents can still bring children to Jesus for the sanctifying touch of His grace.
Children instinctively know they need someone else to depend on for their fundamental needs. When they are having careless fun and are exploring their environment, they are quite independent. But when hunger, danger or pain comes they automatically raise their voice in loud cries to get the attention of one who can meet their need. Any who enter the kingdom of God, young or old, must recognize their need of God and come with dependence and trust to the Lord Jesus Christ. The trusting attitude of children is a living example of what God expects of those who come to Him. "Must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." A child in need comes running to one they trust completely, and with outstretched arms, confidently expect to be received and their needs fully met.
For those who recognize their need of salvation and come to Christ in child-like faith, they will find themselves gladly received by the Savior. Those who know Him and realize their need of His guidance and power in their lives, will call upon Him in believing prayer, will open the Bible and listen to His words of guidance and instruction. They will trust what He says and act upon that with faith in Him.
By contrast a well-to-do young man whose morality and righteous living would please any parent, came to the Lord to find out what he could do to get eternal life. In another place he asks, "What good thing can I do...?" He probably had a place of authority in the government, and that may have been based on his reputation as an upright person. He addressed the Lord Jesus Christ as "Good Master" and Jesus immediately gave him opportunity to testify as to whether he recognized he had come to One who is God. The young man missed that and the opportunity of a lifetime he had been given. The young ruler had placed himself on the same level as the Lord Jesus. He considered himself righteous and the Lord Jesus as simply a good teacher. Many are making the same mistake today. Rather than humbly acknowledge their real need, they consider themselves capable of making themselves acceptable to God. The Lord Jesus quickly gave five of the commandments that have to do with our relationship to other people. The young man had already missed the point that he was dealing with God Himself. The Lord did not quote the last commandment he would have learned as a child. The young man knew what that command was and the words "thou shalt not covet" is what convicted and condemned him. He likely would have been giving alms to the poor. By allowing his riches to control him, his heart was condemned but he was not willing to apply that final commandment to himself. Riches make it very difficult to submit and surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ as Master and Lord. Power, prestige and possessions are claiming the souls of many people today. If our sense of security is based on wealth, we must get rid of those things we claim for ourselves.
It is impossible for any person to be saved if they are trusting in anything or anyone but the Person and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on our behalf. Peter said they had forsaken all they had to follow the Lord Jesus. They had begun to pay the price of discipleship. The Lord focused their attention more on what they had gained rather than what they had lost. No matter what a person might give up and contribute to the work of God, they will never be able to give as much as the Lord gave for us to have eternal life now and forever. The young ruler had to see things from God's eyes in order to get eternal life. Nothing has changed today. We need to see sin and its consequences from God's eyes and then we will be able to appreciate Christ and God's salvation from His eyes.
To look upon a child at play or busily engaged in their life - Can give to a thoughtful watching person a lesson for them to learn. A child will carelessly go from one thing to another until they get a fright - They quickly look around seeking a special person to which they can turn With assurance and in those arms, they will find the safety they need. And with trusting but fearful eyes they run to the one they trust - The voice of concern and welcome makes them confident to heed, With childlike simplicity assurance of comfort, and in that one they rest.
There are considerations we need to look at on occasions - When a young person has been awakened to their need of God. The time and circumstances they face make possible some instructions Where they are open to God's light and needed guidance from His Word. Be ready then to give explanations as to the grace God has provided. They can comprehend with open and frankly honest concern Before the urgency of the moment has dimmed and subsided - And the way sinners are able to come and the way of salvation learn.
It is different looking through God's eyes at those who are older. A wealthy young ruler seemed to want what was right. Compared to young children who in simple trust are bolder - And are more used to faith then only living by sight. The young man who came to Jesus and wanted to earn eternal life Didn't realize the Deity of the One he was talking to. When he turned to go is own way, he walked away from the Light Not having the eternal life, he sought when the meeting was through.
"Father, there are a lot of people seeking to bring children to the Savior. Bless their efforts and maybe some young adult will remember what they learned as a child and will come to Christ for salvation also. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."