Like A Child

Like a child.  You are probably familiar with the illustration that Jesus used when his disciples asked him about who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Jesus has a child come over and stand among them and says, “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).  We better understand the meaning of that illustration and response from Jesus when we read the psalm that was part of our daily reading today.  First, the psalmist begins with stating, “my heart is not proud, my eyes are not haughty.  I do not get involved with things too great or too wondrous for me” (Psalm 131:1).  The psalmist then contrasts the description of those things he is not by stating, “Instead, I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like a weaned child” (Psalm 131:2). If you have children, you will definitely remember the early years of their lives.  If they were hungry, you and everyone else around knew it.  The cry and scream that comes from something so little and so cute is remarkable.  However, as they grow and are weaned, the child is just content to be near their mom.  They have learned that their mom will take care of them and provide for them, so that is where they remain…near.  God is teaching Israel, and us, to trust in God and simply be near, for He will take care of us.  The psalmist concludes, “Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forever” (Psalm 131:3).  It sounds so comforting to read, “my soul is like a weaned child”.