Luke 18:15-17 AMPC
Now they were also bringing even babies to Him that He might touch them, and when the disciples noticed it, they reproved them. But Jesus called them [the parents] to Him, saying, Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for to such [as these] belongs the kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not accept and receive and welcome the kingdom of God like a little child [does] shall not in any way enter it [at all].
Coming to know Jesus at a very early age is greatly underrated - yes, UNDERRATED.
Some call it being brainwashed by parents, but really it's being "heart-washed" by Jesus, before satan has a chance to despoil a life!
Looking back at my childhood I am so grateful for being brought up in an environment, by my parent's, where I had the freedom & opportunity to welcome Jesus into my heart at an early age.
I didn't have someone telling me "it's all rubbish & make believe" and trying to dissuade me from following the Lord.
My mum too came to know Jesus when she was a youngster. She told me that Stephen Jeffreys, the famous Welsh evangelist, prayed for her healing in Jesus' name and the painful mastoid abscess ear infection she'd had was instantly gone.
He then asked her if she wanted to give her life to Jesus and she prayed a simple prayer, there in the farmhouse kitchen. It changed her life forever.
Some people question if someone is old enough to know Jesus or be baptized, but perhaps the question should be reversed?!
Being "worldly wise" and cynical can be a barrier to belief. Pride in what we think we know can build a brick wall inside our hearts.
Then the Holy Spirit has to do a demolition job in order to get our attention.
Parents should never be afraid to tell their children or grandparents their grandchildren the good news of Jesus - you are laying an eternal foundation for their lives - something more precious than gold or possessions.
If you are young and already know Jesus - you are so, so special. Don't let anyone downgrade your faith.
See Jeremiah the prophet - some estimate that he was only 14 years old when God started using him as a prophet [indeed, He called him from the womb]:
The Call of Jeremiah
The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 1:4-8
Paul told Timothy:
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
Jesus tells those who try to stop the youngsters coming to Him to pipe down - the Kingdom belongs to them - rejoice!
For us "golden oldies" keep that child-like faith and be young in spirit!
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