From Matthew 19:13-15 / Christ’s Bodyguards

The lesson from this simple passage is sweet, and necessary: Don’t fence God. He needs no body guards.

Note first: Christians need not be God’s protectors as many in Islam violently protect Mohamed. When our God needs defending by us rather than we needing defending by Him – things are upside down. Ultimately, it is the product of human hubris – even though it may flow from a personal sense of reverence.

It is true we are to pray and work for the fame of the name of God to be restored; for the whole of sentient creation to hallow, revere, respect and honor Him for who and what He is. When Jesus taught us to pray, He put this issue as the very first among all things we are to pray for. Nothing was dearer to His own heart than to see His Father’s reputation restored. To see all love and cherish and delight in the Father as He Himself did. But that is not done by swatting down those we think deficient, unworthy or even blasphemous. It is done by trusting Him, praising His name, walking in such a way as to reveal His character, preaching His Gospel and walking in truth.

He is our great defender, we are not His.

Note second: There are none more worthy than others to seek Him than others.

Young, old, hale, infirm, educated, ignorant, accomplished, indigent, intellectual or challenged. He came to seek and save “the lost”, not humanly created sub-sets of humanity.

Jonathan Edwards recounts the case of Phebe Bartlet who at the age of 4 began to manifest evidences of the Spirit moving in her soul. By 5 she was truly remarkable in her pursuit of God. John the Baptizer was filled with the Spirit even in his mother’s womb. And I can add that of myself, having my eyes opened to my sinfulness before God, and my heart opened to embrace Christ and the Cross at the age of 8.

When people show any interest in spiritual matters, we need to take it seriously. This is especially true with children, who do not take such an interest at all naturally.

Note third: How quick Jesus was always ready to bless.

And should we imagine Him any different today? Were these children displaying some interest in Him themselves, or was it only that their parents sought something on their behalf – He loves to receive and bless. Here, it says they specifically wanted Him to pray for these little ones. To speak to the Father on their behalf.

What an encouragement then for parents today to seek Christ that He might intercede on behalf of our children, grandchildren and others. In this, we never see a refusal. Instead, we see Him admonishing any who would hinder it.

Be encouraged to seek Him for your loved ones. He is far more gracious and ready and willing than we dare believe.

Hallelujah!