October 20 Daily Devotional

Let the Children Come

Charles and Norma Ellis

Bible Reading:

Mark 10:13-16

¹³And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
¹⁴But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
¹⁵Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
¹⁶And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

Devotional:

Children are important to Jesus. He had time specially for them. He even rebuked those who would keep the children from Him. Jesus, the Creator, was aware that children are tomorrow's men and women. They are each important to their Creator.

Here again we read a tender incident in the life of Jesus which gives evidence of how important little children are to Him. The mothers wanted Him to 'touch' them. And He did! 'He took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.' The touch of Jesus expressed closeness, love and unity.

So often we fail to recognize the capacity of children for real saving faith, despite the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:6 where He speaks of 'these little ones which believe in me.' We are reluctant to receive children as professing members of the church at an early age. This has proven a wise procedure in that it may forestall premature professions on the part of those who have not had their faith tested by even a slight brush with unbelief. But we must be cautious. Children at an early age can exercise a saving faith. In the home and church we should honor and nourish that faith and not be guilty of keeping children away from Jesus. Their qualities which Jesus held forth do equip them for acceptance of the Saviour and growth in Him. And Jesus has in His grace declared, 'Of such is the kingdom of heaven.'

As a church are we concerned to provide for the needs of the covenant children? Are we concerned to reach the children of our neighborhood for the Saviour? Our poor example or our indifference may be as effective as the rebukes of the disciples in keeping the young away from the house of God. And, as Jesus said, it would be better to have a millstone around one's neck than to offend 'one of these little ones which believe in me.'

*R.S.V.

We are happy to have obtained permission to post as our current daily devotional Heirs Together of Life: Daily Bible Reading for Husbands and Wives, published by The Banner of Truth Trust. Don't be misled by the subtitle. As the book's "Preface" indicates (see below), although Heirs Together of Life is "especially prepared for couples,"the authors declare, "Since the basis for this guide is God's Word, we believe it would have value for any reader."

Charles and Norma Ellis are husband and wife and the authors not only of Heirs Together of Life (which was first published in 1980 and continues in print today), but also of Wells of Salvation (first published in 1985, and likewise still in print today). The latter contains a series of short studies covering the entire book of Isaiah, while the former contains a series of almost 200 short studies covering the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Both books by the Ellises can be ordered from the publisher, The Banner of Truth Trust. We trust that these daily Bible readings, posted daily on our site, will be helpful to you in your Christian walk before God. Whether married or not, all of us are members of families and members of the family of God.

Charles Ellis was educated at Wheaton College and Westminster Theological Seminary. Upon graduation from Westminster (where he earned not only a Th.B. but also a Th.M.), he was ordained to the ministry in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and pastored a number of OPC churches, including Immanuel OPC in West Collingswood, New Jersey; First OPC in Cincinnati, Ohio; Covenant OPC in East Orange, New Jersey; Knox OPC in Silver Spring, Maryland; and Lakeview OPC in Rockport, Maine. Less biographical information is available about his wife, but it is known that they served as parents of seven children. After retiring from the ministry, Charles Ellis went to be with the Lord in 2003, but he and his wife left us with a beautiful legacy in the two books they have given to the world, and we are proud to share the daily Bible readings from Heirs Together of Life here with you.