This is one of my favorite pictures I have ever seen.
To me this picture shows the true meaning of childlike faith. Jesus, the Good Shepherd with His staff, lovingly looking down at His child (you and me) and holding their hand as they walk along in this world. His child looks into His eyes with a smile as they feel His love and the peace it brings.
I imagine the scenery in this picture looks like what it was like in the Garden of Eden, beautiful trees, a pond with water that is calm, clear and fresh. The grass looks like carpet. It would be a joy just to walk on it.
Another thing I notice is the child is carrying a favorite possession of this world, shown in the picture as a small stuffed animal. When our kids were little, they took “stuffies” wherever we went. They would share the joy they were feeling with their little “friend”.
Jesus said, “I assure you that whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it”. (Matt 10:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17) I have come to believe this is a statement of total faith, no doubts in Jesus, His words, His Kingdom and His promises.
What creates that faith? Think about a child raised by loving, caring, nurturing parents. There is no doubt in their mind that their needs will be taken care of. In fact, they don’t even think about it. It is a given. How many times have we seen a father throw his toddler in the air and catch them again? The child laughs with delight. They have no fear of falling. They know their father will catch them. They have total faith, the faith of a child.
The faith of a child allows us to have no fear of the unknown and no worry about the future. If we have the faith of a child, we know we will not “fall”. Then we will have “eyes” to see the Kingdom all around us. Jesus was saying if you don’t have that kind of faith, the faith of a child, you will never enter His Kingdom. You either believe Him or you don’t. There is no middle ground.
Christian Life Coach 