Bible Reading: Exodus 16,17,18; Matthew 18:1-18
“… Very I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the Kingdom of heaven” Matthew 18:3-4 (KJV).
Pride and arrogance became part of man at the fall. Pride is at the very root of the cause of Satan’s removal from heaven. This nature was passed unto man when man obeyed the devil and man has struggled to do away with this unwanted nature of the fall. This self-exalting and praise-hungry attitude is incompatible with the eternal life in Christ which His disciples are looking forward to.
Jesus came to save man. He was not surprised to see even His disciples arguing among themselves who the greatest is in the Kingdom of heaven. He answered them by setting a Child in their midst and telling them that unless they become converted like a child, they will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Why be like a child to enter heaven?
Children teach us the importance of humility. They are totally dependent on their parents. The child owes everything to its parent. Children depend totally on parents for food, shelter and clothing. In the Kingdom of heaven they all depend on God for everything. He is the light there. In fact, Jesus told us that He can do nothing of His own without the Father (John 5:30). Even angels only do God’s bidding, that’s where their strength lies (Psalm 103:20). No wonder David, who never lost any battle because he always inquire of God, was said to be as wise as an angel (2 Samuel 14:20). David strength, like an angel’s, came from God.
Moreso, the word of God is full of promises. Only by trusting in God the same way a child trust its parent can we partake of the heavenly life before us. Once a child gets a promise from the parent it goes out to tell others immediately. Abraham got a promise from God and believed. He changed his name to align with what God has promised Him. Abraham had that childlike attitude. No wonder we still talk about him today.
Remember, humility starts with the submission of your soul to God. As you do this He will bring you into that heavenly realm, even while you are here on earth.
Prayer: Father, remove every pride and arrogance in me that makes one not to enter heaven in Jesus name.
Bro. Onyema Aghanenu