The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."  Matthew 18:1-5

I look at these children and I see the face of Jesus.  Despite their home circumstances you can see the joy in their souls.  The ones that don't smile, you see a small glimpse of their pain.  Yet, in the same glance you see a small glimmer of hope; the kind of hope that will overcome in Jesus' name.     

My heart breaks for the children whose parents neglect to treat them as the Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.  I mourn even more over the fact that the parents, in many cases, are also children.  As a daughter and disciple of Christ, I am called to Love them... regardless of their behavior.  I am to welcome them with open arms, just as Christ did.  These small, beautiful little people have been ministering to my heart... it breaks knowing the sorrow that they face day to day but it rejoices in knowing they look forward to our presence... God's Presence. 

I pray that their hardened hearts would become like the farmers soil- tilled, watered and nourished so that the seeds we plant would begin to blossom and spread to their families like the wildflowers of the prairies. 

The Lord has called each of us to Love these children, all over this earth.  What are you doing to honor the Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?