DEVOTIONAL 13
Saturday, February 18
Why Give to the Proclaim Initiative?
Expansion of the Children’s Area
13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 19:13–14
The disciples’ view of children mirrored their culture: Children were less important than adults because they contributed little to society. Resources, specifically Jesus’ time, could better be spent on other things, so the kids needed to leave Him alone. However, Jesus reminded His followers of each child’s significance to Him. Children who place their faith in Him are just as eligible as anyone else to become a member of the kingdom of heaven. In fact, the humility of children is to be admired and replicated in adults. This passage implies Jesus didn’t hurry the kids along, but instead took the time to bless every single child in the crowd.
PRAY
Father, thank You for the many children You’ve entrusted to our North Campus. I pray You would draw more families to bring their children regularly to learn of Jesus’ love and design for them. May the efforts of the PROCLAIM initiative be wildly successful and through the expansion of the Children’s Area, may we be prepared to minister to every child who enters the doors.
ACT
Write a note of appreciation to a volunteer or staff person in the Children’s Ministry. Better yet, schedule a time to serve in our Children’s Ministry. Thank the team specifically for the resources they’ve dedicated to raising up the next generation of disciples.
FROM PASTOR CONNOR BALES
