Matthew 18:10-14

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones,

for I say to you that their angels in heaven

always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.

What is your opinion?

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray,

will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills

and go in search of the stray?

And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it

than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.

In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father

that one of these little ones be lost."

God is outside of time. He sees us at all times as infant, child, teen, adult, elderly...and in our glorified state. He knows us. He loves us! He sees us forever at all moments as his precious children.

In these verses, Jesus tells us that we can adopt the good (emphasis on GOOD) qualities children possess. Such as humility, a quickness to surrender to Christ’s loving authority, and choosing joy rather than the cynicism life on earth can foster. People with a childlike heart have fierce bravery, but also a fierce dependence no God. They have a willingness to forgive and be vulnerable with fellow brothers and sisters. Children are always ready for the next adventure, the next sunrise, the next laugh! They enjoy God’s goodness. And no matter how angry I can be at the little stinkers, I can’t help but love them and want the best for them… Just like how God loves us and wants the best for us.

Side Note: If you haven’t heard the song “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury go listen to it RIGHT now!

Wherever you’re at in your walk with God: If you’re that wandering little sheep trying to strike out on your own, know that He’s not giving up on you. He wants to surround you with His love. Even if you’re one of the 99, safe in the stable, just chilling, watching Jesus scrape His knees to save your lost brother, know that you’re loved too. Because, not too long ago, you were the lost little sheep Jesus carried home.