MATTHEW 18 CHILDREN AND BROTHERS The lessons of the kingdom continued to be taught by the Lord to His disciples because kingdom living is very different from the normally accepted way of life. A child in the middle of the group was the example the Lord Jesus used to illustrate a major point. Simplicity and a trusting spirit are fundamental characteristics in the kingdom of heaven. Children can enter that kingdom in childlike faith in Christ. Adults have to come in the same way. The children are not a nuisance to the Lord. He was more than glad to recognize publicly the value of a child and all those who are small in men's eyes who live among us. There are those independent moments when a child goes out to do his or her thing. But there is also the trusting glance back from time to time to make sure a parent or one who cares for them is in sight. They want to be a part of the life of the parents but they also are attracted to those around who are the same size. In the kingdom we confidently trust in the presence and power of the Lord to keep us safe and to enable us to reach out to others like ourselves.
Children will often sense danger and will not turn to just anyone, but to one they know well and have experienced their care and concern. Any one who would try to mislead or misdirect a child is an enemy. The ones who love and protect that child in the family of God are those who know the value and potential of that spiritual child. God Himself is the Supreme Protector and Defender of those who know and trust Him. An angel has been sent to watch over the welfare of those very important people. Those who are little among us, the children, need to know they are an integral part of not only our family unit, but also our church unit. When they are converted and come into the family of God, they need, and deserve, the best we can give them in the way of protection, guidance and the personal attention of being discipled by a caring person.
There are lessons to learn when it comes to brothers and sisters in the kingdom of heaven. When one who is a fellow believer wanders away, they need to be found and returned to the fold. In the same way we were brought as lost sinners to be saved, we need to go after those who have left the safety of the Lord's people and have gone out to try the things the world has to offer that attract them. New believers from sheltered Christian homes who have professed to be saved when they were young, will think they can tamper with sin and not be seriously affected by it. Even though they seem to be hopeless cases, as far as restoration is concerned God is able to use us to bring others back.
When it comes to facing up to sin, the principle is to deal with each problem in as small a way as possible. One to one is where a fault issue between people can often be concluded. By far the majority of things will need to go no further. The practice to follow that which the Lord gave is very effective. One or two witnesses may need to confront the person who adamantly refuses to listen. When a matter has to be taken to the church it becomes a serious matter indeed. What may have started as an insignificant problem, can become great simply because of the attitude of pride or stubbornness. Agreeing together indicates a harmony is restored. The word "symphony" is associated with this solution to a difficulty. There are things we agree to avoid. There is also agreement as to what we accept and what we appreciate. In all of these there is restored and maintained a harmony and symphony that centers on the name and Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.
After dealing with a matter, forgiveness is expected to be the result. God expects us to forgive those who sin against us without any expectation that the offender will necessarily stop the action against us that he takes. A demanding, unmerciful person place him or herself in a very dangerous position. God is a forgiving God but He passes judgment on those who do not forgive others. The debt we owe to God for His forgiveness is so far greater that what others owe us, that there is no comparison. The illustration is that when one has been forgiven a great deal, it is expected that they will be pitiful towards those who owe us a little. Pride, arrogance and a self-centered attitude will be taken into account by our heavenly Father. When these things raise their ugly heads, God steps in and will judge that person with severity of true and absolute justice.
The lesson to be learned by us is to remember what God has done for me before I make demands on others. Any action I take towards those who have sinned against me should be done in the light of the grace that has been shown to me. When that is done by honest evaluation, I will proceed no further in my demands but in a forgiving spirit, move on in harmony and fellowship with my brother or sister. Christ- likeness is very practical in its outworking in daily life.
I look with good cheer and hope on the face of a child, And realize why the Lord chose them to teach me that all the while I am here in this world of sin there is a way He expects me to be: Uncomplicated, genuine and trusting that people around can see There is a difference in kingdom living from that of the world and its ways. There is a trusting faith in the Lord that is revealed in what I say - And also in what I do, for it is my Father I want to please. The little child may wander away, but then comes their Father's hand to squeeze.
What would cause one of them to stumble would be carelessness on my part. There may be things I think I can do that would hinder them at the start Of a new life being lived for the Lord when opinions and attitudes are formed. Much of what I do in daily life they would consider to be the norm. But when I stop to consider if my attitudes and actions are done in faith - Then I can be assured that the little ones in Christ are safe. So, if they go astray, I won't leave them to wander on - Until I go to seek them and bring them back to the safety of the home.
When there are problems between brothers that threaten to divide - It is important that what caused the difficulty, we will no longer hide. With a gracious attitude and a sincere desire to reach out to him and bless - There can be a quick solution when any sin between us we confess. Then forgiveness is able to take place no matter how it is received. The results may not be fully realized but I know when I believe That God knows my heart and my motives, then I leave the results with Him. I can go on happy in my soul, knowing I am no longer harboring sin.
"O God my Father, the children attending these meetings seem to be listening very well. Some of them want to know how to be saved. Please grant to Thy servant the ability to know the best way to reach them with the Gospel message in a personal way. And Father, when the time comes that I have to truly forgive someone, help me to remember how much Thou hast forgiven me. Then give me the courage to reach across man-made barriers with grace and faith. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."