A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. <Previous Message · Easy read/print edition Tuesday, January 22, 2008  Kelsie & Kristie (Yes, that's Ester on the right and their cousin, Joey, on the left!)  Listen to this message on your audio player."Such As These" "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'" (Mark 10:14). Kelsie and Kristie are two cute little blond twins with huge smiles, who often came up to me for the "pastor's hug" when I pastored in Taunton, Massachusetts. They have an interesting testimony. In 1994, their mother, who was a teenager with one child already, sat in an abortion clinic in Brookline, Massachusetts. She had been advised that an abortion was her best option in the occurrence of her unplanned pregnancy. She was there with her mother, who had recently rededicated her life to Christ and who was strongly opposed to the abortion. They had just sat through the "counseling" phase at the clinic, which was nothing more than pro-abortion propaganda. As she was waiting for her name to be called she had enough time to contemplate the fact that she was nurturing a little person, not just dealing with unwelcome tissue. Suddenly she turned to her mother and said, "Mom, you know, this baby already has fingernails." Just as the nurse called her name they got up and proceeded to walk out of the clinic rather than into the "procedure room." In a matter of weeks tests would show that there was not just one baby with fingernails saved that day, but two! Today tens of thousands of dedicated pro-life supporters will be gathering in Washington as they do each year. They will be peacefully protesting the 1973 Supreme Court decision that overruled state laws restricting abortion here in America. I joined this march on several occasions in the 80's when I pastored in northern Pennsylvania, believing it to be a just cause. For many years my Aunt Mary traveled to the rally in a bus all the way from western Missouri. I believe these "protesters" are among God's finest. Today's text is the only time in the gospels the word "indignant" ("much displeased" in the KJV) is used to describe Jesus' attitude. The word in the Amplified Version is described as "indignant and pained." This was directed to the disciples who rebuked those who were bringing little children to Jesus. They thought they were doing the Lord a favor by protecting Him from the nuisance of those who had come bringing little children for Him to touch. His time was limited, crowds took up valuable space, children were noisy and pampers were yet to be made available so babies could also be smelly, and He had many "adult" issues to deal with. Yet Jesus responded, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." I am particularly intrigued by the phrase, "for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." The phrase "such as these" refers to the children and those who brought them. Jesus wanted them to come to Him and not be hindered by unauthorized screening from the disciples. The living Lord continues to proclaim to our generation, "Let the little children come unto me." Of course I am aware that this passage is not specifically related to an unborn child but the principle remains the same. Those who are created by our Maker are to be cherished by His children. May we never hamper these innocent lives but instead let us embrace them in our affections and in prayerful intercession. Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, You welcome all to be a part of Your kingdom: the young and the old, the weak and the strong, those born in ideal circumstances and those conceived in the worst imaginable setting. All the days ordained for our lives were written in Your book before one of them came to be. Because You take broken vessels and piece them back together with Your miraculous healing touch no soul is without hope. For those dedicated to spreading this message of life and hope to mothers and fathers of the unborn we pray that they will be spurred on by the power of Your Holy Spirit. May their voices make a welcoming difference to innocent lives in our hostile world, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Note: We moved from New England in 2001 and have lost touch with Kelsie and Kristie, who would now be about 14 years old. Perhaps we'll get an update from a friend in New England. Today's Suggested Music "Give me A Chance" (Audio) "Stunning videos with musical background" (Video) (Video) "The Silent Scream" (Video) This is a classic expression and if this film were remade with the imaging technology available today it would be even more remarkable. In the 80's I read Dr. Nathanson's book "Aborting America" chronicling his conversion from being an avid proponent of abortion and founder of one of the abortion organizations to being an articulate pro-life advocate as seen in this film. (Warning: the film is very graphic.) Matt Weaber is a friend of mine who has a wonderful testimony. Read it here.  Titmouse (photo by Doris High) |
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Tuesday, January 22, 2008
"Such As These"
