“For Me? Oh my!”
Feb
6
Written by:
2/6/2012 6:40 PM
We had a chaotic, crazy Christmas this year. Our house was full of family, and at times family of family. Our grandchildren range in age from 18-months to five years. I am still finding objects out of place on a high shelf, where a parent put them after rescuing them.
One memory we cherish is that of Pippa, age 2-and-a-half, opening gifts. Everyone’s gifts. She would deliver them to the intended recipient, but she still thought it was her job to unwrap the gift for them. If a gift was for her, her eyes would light up, and hugging it, she would exclaim, “For me? Oh my!” It was delightful, even after several repetitions.
When I sat in our communion service this past Sunday, and heard an elder read the words, “This is my body which is broken for you,” (I Cor 11:24) Pippa’s words came to mind. “For me?” Broken for me? “Oh my!” I swallowed some tears. Somehow God’s indescribable gift was especially personal to me at that moment.
Do you suppose that when Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, He had before Him each of us who would receive His gift? Can we ever thank Him often enough? Do we receive His gift with the same wholeheartedness that Pippa expressed? Are you not overcome by the fact that, though God gave His Son because He loved the world, His love and care for us is so personal?
Interestingly, our pastor was preaching from Mark 10 on Sunday. This is verse 15: “Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
Tips:
Observe your children, especially in regard to how they receive things, how they receive your words, and your love. Learn from them.
Remember that every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.
Know that there can never be a greater gift than that of God’s only begotten Son. There is no greater love than the Cross.
Receive His love joyfully, wholeheartedly. Love him back. Thank Him often.
Also show Him you love Him by keeping His commandments. Ask Him, “What would you have me do today? What can I give you?”
Parallel passage to Mark 10:15:
“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.” Matt 18:3-5