At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:1-4
The disciples were curious to know who was the greatest in the kingdom. They were trying through reasoning to convert their own ideas into a spiritual reality. However, their carnal inclinations had clouded their spiritual lens in seeing God’s heart for His Kingdom. The disciples presumed that all of them were guaranteed entry to the Kingdom of heaven, so the more critical issue for them was the person greatest in the kingdom! However, that was not Jesus’ focus. He surprised the disciples by telling them that they needed to be converted and become like little children.
Jesus stated two important principles that we need to reminded of. I will share about the first one in this devotional and the second one in the next devotional. The first principal is that whoever desires to see the Kingdom of God must be converted spiritually. Every person must accept that he/she is a sinner in need of forgiveness, and that he/she needs the salvation offered by Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. This converts a person from a natural being to a life giving spirit. They become born again with a new nature born from above (See John 3:1-18).
Sometimes when we present the gospel, it sounds like God loves people so much that there are no conditions attached to salvation. God loves everyone, but God does not save people apart from their decision to receive forgiveness and redemption. We all have to accept the fact that there is nothing we can do to make us change our nature or to buy eternal life for ourselves. It only comes by turning to Jesus and asking Him to forgive us and to change us. If we were raised in a Christian home, it does not guarantee that we are saved. If our parents or grandparents were pastors or ministers, it does not guarantee that we are saved. If we have been going to church most of our lives and are involved in ministry, it doesn’t mean we are saved. The salvation that Jesus spoke about brings a conversion that will be evident with the tangible change in our lives.
Let me pause here and ask you the most important question of your life. Have you turned to the Lord and admitted that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness? Have you ever repented of your sins and asked Jesus to enter your life? Repentance is about a changed mind and change of direction in life. If you have never repented and asked Jesus to forgive you, this is your chance to make it right with God and become born again. You can click on “Salvation Prayer” and pray the sinner’s prayer. When you do this, you begin a new, fresh, and alive walk with God that opens the door to the Kingdom of heaven.
Some of you may say that you accepted Jesus years ago, but your relationship with the Lord has turned distant, dry, and stagnant. This is your opportunity to recommit your life to the Lord and ask Him to wash you, cleanse you from all sin, unbelief, and doubt, and to breathe a fresh breath of life on you.
If you made a decision to follow Jesus, I encourage you to make the commitment to read the Bible and to pray on daily basis. In addition, find a solid Bible-believing church and become part of a community of believers.
I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.