Day 230 - FOUNDATION STONES IN A YEAR

by King's Cross Training

“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on 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. Truly I tell you, 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, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”

Mark 10: 13 - 16, NIV


Most of us have probably heard some iteration of this story, but what is often underplayed is this part: when Jesus saw that the disciples rebuked the parents who were bringing their children to be blessed he was indignant. The words means that you are so grieved that it makes you a wild and prone to violence, actually even that definition is trite but I’m writing to a mixed audience so I’ll be sensitive. Bottom line: Jesus hates it when people, especially those who are His followers, prevent the laying on of hands for blessing.


So far I have been gentle and whimsical about my suggestion that you should practise the laying on of hands. Now I need to tell you what the Bible clearly shows: Jesus is not happy when the laying on of hand for blessing is prevented. In the last couple of days we’ve investigated a lot about what the Bible has to say about the laying on of hands for the specific purpose of blessing. Today I want to encourage you: do not be the person who prevents this practice, be the person who does this practice.


Prayer:

Thank you Heavenly Father that your desire is to bless, not to curse, to prosper your people, not to hinder them. This is my testimony of your work in my life. I also ask that you make my someone who dispenses your blessing and ushers them to relationship with you, and never hinder them.


Would you like to do this devotion with the family?

  1. Start by reading today’s passage. This job can be assigned to a child.
  2. Role play this passage. There are three parts: Jesus, the parents bringing the children, and the disciples rebuking the parents. Ask one person to read and direct the players to act their parts. Be sure to end the role play this way: Jesus blessing the children disciples not hindering the people. Role playing helps children understand and remember. If it works successfully for you try switching roles and doing it again
  3. Have a conversation about how you can be someone who brings God’s blessing. Ask the children for suggestions and help them act on some.
  4. Finish by praying together and lead younger children. If the prayer above is too complex for children use the one below:

Thank you Heavenly Father that I can be a blessing bringer. Help me to be the best blessing  bringer I can be

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