Into His Presence by Sharon Milan - Used with Permission

INTO HIS PRESENCE
“People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 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. I tell you the truth; anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” Mark 10: 13-16

What a precious and tender look into the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is truly a favorite story of mine. But have you ever stopped to wonder why the disciples rebuked those who desired to bring their children into the presence of Jesus? Did the disciples think the children could not understand Christ’s teaching? Did they think Christ lacked the patience and love that children require? Or did they view children as so unvaluable that it would not be an effective use of their time and resources to allow and encourage the practice. Nowhere in scripture do we read what the disciples were thinking, and I would imagine purposely so. Perhaps this is a place where we are to prayerfully pause to examine our own hearts, especially towards those we daily choose not to bring into the presence of our professed Lord.

As I think about this story and my friends who live with disabilities, I am struck with a sad truth. This group of people living with disabilities continues to be the largest un-churched people group in the United States; which tells me there are still “disciples” whose words and actions are saying, “Do not bring them to Jesus, they cannot possibly understand His teachings. Christ doesn’t have enough love or patience to be bothered by them. They are simply too unvaluable to spend our time and resources on. We should not allow or encourage the practice of bringing them before the Lord.” Church, this cannot be us.

Christ said so long ago: “I tell you the truth; anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:15) I find it so incredibly beautiful that this people group is truly the people group (aside from actual little children); most capable of entering God’s kingdom in the very way Christ tells us we must. Their childlike hearts and minds are perfect, ready and truly capable of receiving what we all need most. Parents and caregivers whose lives are devoted to these special people are confronted daily with the realities of what their loved ones can’t or won’t ever be capable of doing. We have an opportunity now to focus on what they are capable of. And by the power of God’s Holy Spirit, they are capable of entering the kingdom of God. They need only be brought into His presence.

As servants of Christ Jesus, when you show up in the life of a person living with a disability; whether you “show up” by smiling, saying “hello” or even by just bringing them a plate of food; you are bringing them into Christ’s presence, as you are Christ’s representative. You are also being obedient to another of God’s heart commands. Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Persons living with disabilities might seem uncomfortably different to you. They are not. Their biggest need is no different then yours or mine…they simply need the salvation found in Jesus Christ.

“And he (Jesus) took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” (Mark 10:16) You, too, do exactly that when you show up. As a parent of one who lives with disabilities, thank you for being Christ and thank you for showing up.

Sharon Milan, March 7, 2008 all rights reserved.
Used with author permission.