“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Mark 10:15 NIV).
I have a good friend named Matthew. He is 17 years old and a very special young man. Matthew hasDowns Syndrome, but it doesn’t bother Matthew one bit. He is one the best Christian young men I know. He is polite, respectful, well-mannered, responsible, and the most loving 17 year old I know. He is great. I love him.
Today, we took our weekly trip to McDonald’s. If there is anything that Matthew likes better than eating, I don’t know what it could be. We get the same thing every week. Matthew gets two fish sandwiches, an order of fries, sweet tea and an apple pie. Every week. Week in and week out. The cashier doesn’t even have to ask for our order anymore. She knows. We love our time together at McDonald’s.
On the way to lunch, I told Matthew that we needed to pray for some rain. At the time, we were experiencing a severe drought of several weeks. Matthew said, “Okay. Father, we need some rain really, really bad. The plants are thirsty, and they will die if they don’t have any rain. Father, will you please send us some rain. Thank You. Amen.”
Immediately our verse for today came to mind. Matthew lives in the Kingdom. As a matter of fact, he never leaves. He knows Father has whatever he, or anyone else needs. He knows how to ask and is not ashamed to do so. He is free to love and enjoy life. He is absolutely fearless and is honest without offense.
A couple of friends came by our table to talk while we were eating. I introduced Matthew. Matthew said, “My name is Matthew. What’s yours?”
Our friend said, “My name is Jeff, Matthew.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Jeff,” Matthew politely replied.
Matthew has no hang-ups. He doesn’t worry about what people think about him. He loves life, people and fish sandwiches… maybe not in that order. You’ll have to ask Matthew. He just believes God is good and can do anything. Matthew says you just have to ask Him.
Matthew comes to our Sunday night men’s prayer meeting. He prays as well and as often as any man there. And when Matthew prays, you just know Father is listening. Why? Because Matthew trusts Him. Matthew is not afraid to ask God anything. He knows that Father loves him and everyone else. He is free and fearless because Jesus set him free and His perfect love cast away his fear.
Maybe we are a little too “grown up” to pray. Maybe we are afraid to come out of our prisons and walk in the freedom that Christ died to give us. Maybe if we just took Christ at His Word… Maybe if we started acting like children… You never know. Matthew says it works for him. Jesus says it will work for you, too. Why don’t you give it a whirl today? By the way, it rained that afternoon for the first time in two months!
“Papa, I don’t live and enjoy life like a child. You tell me that if I don’t start, then I won’t ever enter Your Kingdom. You have opened the door to my cage, but I have to get off my perch and fly out. You won’t reach in and drag me out. I have to choose. Today, give me the grace and courage to live with reckless abandon like a little child. I’m tired of mediocrity and a ho-hum existence. I want to live… really live. Let’s have some fun today, Papa. This is the day that You have made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Amen.”
Blessings,
Kenny
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