Dave's Diary

Prayer

Before you read, I invite you to pray this prayer, which is the first verse from the hymn “Master Speak“

Master, speak! thy servant heareth,
waiting for thy gracious word,
longing for thy voice that cheereth,
Master, let it now be heard.
I am list’ning, Lord, for thee;
what hast thou to say to me? Amen.

Briefly prepare your heart in silence, and ask the Holy Spirit to awaken your awareness to the voice of God, coming to you through His Word.

Reading

Matthew 18:5

⁵ And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

The power-hungry, proud and arrogant of the world would simply dismiss as irrelevant the child who has nothing to offer them, as well as the person who has chosen the humble path of becoming like a little child (as commanded in Matthew 18:1-4).

By contrast, the disciple of Jesus is commanded to warmly receive children (whether literal or figurative) and to treat them with honour, hospitality and care in His Name.

Even as Christians, we can easily find ourselves paying the most attention to the person who is assertive, full of self-confidence, sure of what they want in life and willing to “go out and make it happen”. It is easy to treat with greater honour the person who is successful, powerful or influential. But Jesus calls us to treat with greatest honour the least, the lowest, the most vulnerable, the quiet, unassuming, humble, down-to-earth people, who have become like little children.

And what is the “motivation” to live in this way towards the child and the “childlike”? Very simply, when we do so, we are honouring Jesus Himself through honouring the ones He loves and welcoming the ones He welcomes, and we bring Him delight. Surely that is reason enough.

Contemplation

Please take time to ponder what Jesus has commanded us. Turn these declarations over in your mind. Keep them in mind throughout the day and live in step with our King, Jesus.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ,

• I will strive to see others through Jesus’ eyes.
• I will warmly welcome, honour and give hospitality to those who are humble and lowly (both literally and figuratively).

Loving God, help me to welcome the humble and lowly in Your name, with blessing, love and care. Amen.