10 “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”
12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.”
“He who counts the stars and calls them by their names is in no danger of forgetting His own children.” Charles H. Spurgeon
In our verses for today our Lord shares with His disciples the high value He places upon the little ones. Indeed, they are precious in His sight. Later in Matthew, Jesus demonstrates this priority when He corrects His guys for not allowing the children to come to Him for blessing. By their rebuke of those bringing them, it is apparent they had forgotten what the Lord had taught them here regarding the worth of children and the seriousness of causing even one of these young ones to fall:
13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. Matt 19:13-15 (NIV)
Christians who are real saints and the greatest in the Kingdom...humble themselves as a little child...They look upon themselves as children in grace...” Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affections
We must honor those whom God honors and not look down upon them with disdain. These little ones are worthy of respect as Jesus tells us even their angels in heaven are allowed to peer into the very face of God. God’s angels are theirs - they have a responsibility for protecting them and attending to them as it is according to Jesus’ purpose in saving them. Indeed, these young ones receive His divine protection – He is so bent on blessing, He not only protects, He passionately pursues:
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalms 34:7 (NIV)
I am reminded of the words penned in Hebrews as well:
14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Heb 1:14 (NIV)
Christ came to seek and to save those who are lost. Our souls are by very nature, lost – just as travelers who have lost their way are lost. Our Lord’s mission was to save the lost and set them on the right path – the path leading to our great destination rather than to our destruction. Therefore, if Christ placed such value upon each soul, we are not to undervalue them. He was and is ever concerned for their welfare. Since Christ is the great Shepherd, if even one in His flock is missing, He is graciously troubled. Although there are many sheep, out of the many He easily misses the one. Luke tells us there is great joy in heaven over the one returning sinner:
7 “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:7 (NIV)
On a side note, powerful believing prayer - agonizing prayers - on behalf of our children’s faith and walks – those whom God has placed in our spheres of influence - should commence at conception and cease until they no longer breathe. No situation is hopeless with the Lord Jesus. We are to bring our children to Him – it is the correct prescription for all ills plaguing humanity. Our Lord will either change the circumstance or He will change the heart through the circumstance. We can trust Him. Remember, we are engraved upon the palms of His mighty hands:
15 “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! 16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Isaiah 49:15-16 (NIV)
“Lord, I trust in You. I trust in Your mercy because You are merciful, I trust in Your grace, for You are gracious, I trust in Your goodness for You are good. I trust in Your strength for You are almighty, I trust in Your council for You are wise, I trust in Your compassion for You are love. I trust in the shelter of Your wings, in the shield of Your protection, in the safety of Your surrounding presence. Lord, I trust in You at all times, in all ways, and for all reasons. I trust in You, because what happens to me matters to You, and because my needs are Your concern. Lord, I trust in You, You are my heavenly Father, and I know that You would never do anything unkind or unloving to one of Your children." Roy Lessin