The Savior's Love.

Mark 10:13-16

It has been shown time and time again that children who are raised in a loving home, a home rich in affection and warmth, will further develop academically, as well as physically, than children who are raised in less loving and affectionate environments. There is something about love that both facilitates and encourages growth. Its something beyond our understanding, and beyond our ability to explain, yet undeniable. In ways beyond our reason love opens and readies us to receive life’s blessings. It lowers our guard and prepares us for whatever comes next. Its power is immeasurable and effects every aspect of our life. Hence, the old adage “Love heals all wounds” is exceedingly understated. In reality, love not only heals, but it grows, encourages, develops, strengthens, and even brings forth life. Thus, the desire to give and receive love is the one thing that all men have in common, and is the one thing to which all men respond and strive.

In Mark’s gospel we read the account of Jesus blessing the little children. It reads, “People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he was indignant. he said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of god belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them (Mark 10:13-16).”

I love the imagery of Christ taking the children into His arms. It illustrates so marvelously the role that love plays in the receiving of God’s blessings. With the tenderness and care that can only come from a loving savior, Jesus affectionately pulls the children into his arms, places His hands upon them, and gives them His blessing.

True, Jesus could have blessed the children from a distance. He could have blessed them as He walked in their midst. For, he is not bound by time, nor space, nor even matter. However, there was something about that physical touch that readied them to receive all that Christ had to offer. There is something incomprehensible that changes within us when we are touched with the tenderness and compassion that can only flow from our redeemer. Love paves the way and orients our hearts - it is the preparatory action that awaits a response to His calling. True, Jesus could have blessed the children from anywhere, but He chose to embrace them, He chose to ready their hearts for the blessing that they would receive by first showing them His love.

Do you want to reach the world for Christ? Do you want to share God’s gift of salvation with those within your reach? Are the ones you love the most in need of the Saviors touch? Then show them His love. We can teach them every book of the bible, and preach every sermon comprised throughout history. We can expound on all mysteries ever written in Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, and Latin; however, if we fail to share His love, if we cannot demonstrate it in our life, if we never introduce them to the Saviors heart, then we will fail to reach them. Before we can plant that seed, before we can attempt to water it, we must first prepare the hearts and ready the souls by showing the world His love.   [mp]

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Michael D'Urbano
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