Participating in God's Family

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)

Every holiday when young children give their parents gifts, the same happy drama is played out much to everybody's satisfaction. The preliminary is always the same. In order for the children to buy their parents gifts, the parents must make arrangements for the children to shop.

If it's Mother's Day, Dad discreetly slips away with the little person to buy something special for Mom. It is always special, whether it is a card or a diamond necklace. Even if the child makes the gift or card, a parent must help acquire the supplies. Suppose the child “works” to earn some money. No matter how the money is obtained, the parents usually furnish it. Whatever the child gives, the parent receiving the gift is thrilled to receive it, and the child beams with delight about pleasing the parent.

Suppose the children decide to prepare breakfast for Dad to celebrate Father's Day. Mom will make sure the right groceries are available, she will coordinate the meal, and finally she will make sure the kitchen is cleaned afterward. No matter how hard the children work on the project, a parent is assisting somewhere in the background. Everybody is thrilled with the outcome.

That's the way it is when Jesus graciously stands and knocks at our door. Jesus owns the door and the whole house, the earth beneath it, and the sky above it. The Father God wants us to open the doors of our hearts with joy. God describes Himself as our Father and us as His children. The Holy Spirit is ready and eager to move into every believer's heart. As any parent knows, it is an absolute delight to have your children help you. God in His grace does not rely upon us, but He delights when we participate.

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him? (Luke 11:13)

God tenderly loves the children everywhere, and He loves that which is childlike in us. He gives us His salvation and more gifts than we ever realize.

And they brought unto Him also infants, that He would touch them: but when His disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, “Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

“Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” (Luke 18:15-17)