But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ Luke 18:16-17
I would like to welcome each of you to Evangelical Christian Academy and the 2019-20 school year. We consider it a blessing to be entering our 49th year in Christian education in Colorado Springs.
Just one week ago, I had the privilege of addressing our entire faculty and staff as we began the new year with training. The passage I chose to examine that day was Luke 18:16-17, which you just read.
The most important thing for us to remember as we begin the year is that we are here to point the children to Jesus Christ. If it were not for children, we would not have an opportunity to minister in this way. How-ever, I believe there are more important messages for us to understand, well above the obvious – children need the opportunity to become acquainted with Jesus! With that I give thanks that you
have entrusted ECA in a Christian educational partnership with you. Together we can introduce children to Jesus, our Savior! In doing so, our ultimate prayer is that each child would come to know Him, follow Him, and find the pursuit of their purpose in all of life in Him!
Here are some other key lessons for our children and for us from Luke 18:
Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. (verse 17) It is children who come to Jesus as: inquisitive, naïve, sinners, and incapable of saving themselves. We adults would do well to understand that this is the way we are to come to Jesus, too.
Come, follow me… (verse 22c) In this parable, it seems obvious that following Jesus takes priority over any other relationships and personal efforts of ours in life. In fact, the people are asked to sell their possessions and give to the poor so that their singular focus might be on the eternal treasures laid up for them in heaven. Again, tough to teach to children, tougher to convince adults!
What is impossible with man is possible with God (verse 26) One thing that we should pray to emphasize is that, when we are inextricably linked to Jesus (as we are drawn to Him by the Father in faith), we are enabled to do the things that are pleasing to Him. By Him alone we can do these things, as enabled by the power of His Spirit! Please join me in prayer that our children/students can do all things through Christ who strengthens them (and us)!
May the Lord bless you, your family, and the wider ECA family as we embark on the school year ahead!
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