Some key beliefs of the faith are covered today, along with a great model for how to resolve conflict.
Jesus wants us to be “child-like” not “childish”. The differences are obvious. Child-like means humble, willing to accept that someone else is in charge, trusting and willing to learn, pliable and compliant (to an extent). Children love and trust easily, they aren’t hindered by prejudice or politics, they see the world innocently. Childish then, would be self-centered, pouty, crying, demanding that everything be done our way, tantrum throwing attitude that kids sometimes have. Heaven has no need for childish people who think the faith revolves around them, and that the church’s primary function is to meet all their needs.
A second lesson using a child as the example warns us not to mishandle the trust and innocence of these young believers. I don’t think Jesus meant for this to refer to only children, but to all believers. He just finished saying that we must all become like children to enter into heaven…and anyone who leads a child away is going to be severely punished. I wonder….are there different levels to punishment in hell? I mean, how much worse could it get?
Then there’s the tantalizing verse that suggests that children have angels watching over them. Angels who are in the presence of God, watching over one child each. That’s both amazing, wonderful and awe-inspiring. I wish I knew more. I wonder if we all have angels watching over us…or maybe it’s the young, the elderly, the weak, poor and oppressed, perhaps those who are dying. It would be just like Jesus to show them extra favor and blessing, to make up for their lower position on earth.
Verse 14 clearly shows that God doesn’t want anyone to perish in hell. Of course, since we have free will, part of that decision remains with us. But God wants us to be with Him. This idea further supports my belief that God didn’t create anyone simply to be damned.
Matthew offers the correct procedure for confronting others when they have sinned against you. Note that this passage does not apply when you are not involved. If you notice that one person has sinned against another, you should leave that to God to work out. (in most cases) What I’m saying is this: God doesn’t intend for us to use this passage as our charter to become “policemen for Jesus”, running around making sure everyone is in compliance with the law.
I continue in my belief that we simply do not know what a completely surrendered person can accomplish for Jesus. I think we could do far more than we do already…immeasurably more. This says where 3 are gathered, or if two ask for the same thing, God will do it. I have called upon that promise before and I didn’t see the results I asked for. So I clearly am not an expert…God must have wanted something different than what I was asking for. And if that was the case, then I am certainly fine with that. I don’t have to get my own way, I just thought that what I wanted was what God wanted. Maybe I misinterpreted it.
Not to say “I told you so” but it sounds like a person who has been forgiven can “re-inherit the debt” if they don’t behave accordingly. I’m just sayin…
This last account in today’s reading says that a man who had a huge debt erased was later thrown in prison for the same debt! But only because he didn’t forgive others who owed him. In Matthew 6:14 it says “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” So, if you have been forgiven, and then refuse to forgive others….your “forgiveness” can be revoked?
What do you think?
Faithfully,
PR