Like a child
Image: Rob McConaghy from Pixabay
When I was a child I got some magic tricks. I practised over and over until I could perform them well. I bought books on the subject and even made a trick ‘box’.
I saved my pocket money and my parents took me to the ‘magic department’ in Hamleys toy shop, on Regent Street in London, where I bought some more.
As my collection of tricks grew, I developed a whole routine and created my stage name, ‘Mr Magic’! As a young teenager I performed magic shows at children’s birthday parties. That was the first time I worked with kids.
When I came on staff at the Community Church back in 1989, we formed a schools team called ‘Centre Stage’. We visited many local primary schools taking assemblies sharing Bible stories through short, funny sketches and songs.
I loved working with kids then, and still do to this day. There is something about their openness, receptivity and innocence I find appealing.
When Jesus went into the temple in Jerusalem, he caused quite a stir! He debated (and won) with the leaders with great wisdom, healed the sick and delighted the crowds, which included children…
“But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant.”
It must have been quite a scene! At Israel’s important focal point of worship, Jesus, the Son of God, turned up and ‘holy chaos’ erupted.
The children saw all that took place and responded with spontaneous worship. They were not influenced by protocol, they simply witnessed Jesus at work and rejoiced – how wonderful! I can imagine Jesus smiling at the scene.
On the other hand, the chief priests and law teachers were not happy. They too saw Him do amazing things before their eyes, but they were angry and annoyed – how sad. They were unable to see God at work in their midst.
Today, when God does something wonderful, perhaps in a way we do not expect, do we see it? Are we going to be like the children or the priests and teachers?
I want to be someone who has a ‘child-like’ response, with unashamed rejoicing at what God is doing! What about you?
God bless you:)
Gary Bastin
Hope Community Church leader