Know Him Through His Word

If you’re like me, listening to a scholarly individual preach/teach from the Word of God leaves me a bit awestruck over the intellectual’s ability. Not only is it obvious that he is well read and well prepared, but the words just seem to flow continuously, publicizing an enormous vocabulary, and the mastery of the subject is without question. When I look at the verses that are being shared, I wonder if I’m reading from the same passage, let alone the same translation. The interpretation is profound, and listeners can come away feeling as if they’ve just truly learned something valuable, or one can scratch his/her head and come away wondering, “What in the world was that all about?” In truth, if this person has a relationship with the Lord, he would tell you that he too is learning and that there are many things that will be left unanswered until he is face to face with Jesus.

By contrast, one might assume that a very young child does not have the capacity to understand the Gospel to be able to receive the gracious gift of salvation. I was faced with this dilemma when at four years old my very precocious daughter began not just talking about how Jesus loved her and she loved Jesus, but she repeatedly kept saying that she wanted to ask Jesus into her heart. Now, I was thinking about how much Kelley was hearing that phrase in our home and at church, and I was highly skeptical that she could understand salvation and forgiveness enough to actually begin a true relationship with the Lord. I was aware that in three out of the four Gospels, Jesus called on a little child to stand amongst his disciples as an example of the innocence and humility that God desires in those who come to Him. But, surely this was an illustration of the type of posture any person that was mature enough should take when coming to the Lord. “Little child,” the words used in the account recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke, surely did not mean a preschooler.

I continued to think about Kelley’s express desire to receive the Lord into her life. I kept telling her how nice it was that she loved Jesus, and I prayed for wisdom to know how to respond to my insistent little girl. It was in one of my prayer and pondering times that I heard the Lord’s still, small voice speak loudly and clearly, “Who are you to decide what Kelley can or cannot understand? Lead her to me!” Later that day with her brother and me by her side, Kelley prayed to receive God’s precious gift of salvation, and she is still boldly serving Him today.

“The Word of the Lord is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” Hebrews 4:12 (emphasis added). It is appropriate for people of any status or category. To the learned it offers a wealth of knowledge to explore and devour; to those who are just learning, it offers a simple, straightforward message that can be easily grasped and appreciated as truth. That is why we do what we do – Godstruck Ministries 4 Kids exists to help children hide the Word of God in their hearts through His wonderful gift of music. God wants all people, educated or unschooled, rich or poor, child or adult to know Him through His Word. He is ready to meet each one there in a way that is personal and appropriate, from the oldest scholar to the youngest child. Praise the Lord!

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