Written 7/30/21
In Matthew Chapter 18, we see Jesus referring to God’s children as little ones who walk by faith, not by sin. What do you think this means? You may be thinking, "How can anyone be washed clean if they live in a body that is full of sin?" "How can anyone be clean in a world that has been cursed by God, and placed under the influence of Satan himself? Well, 1 John 1:7 says it is only Jesus’s blood that we are washed clean from our imperfect selves. “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” I John 1:6-10 Matthew 18:6 quotes the words of Jesus, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea." Jesus makes it very clear that a little one is actually a person who believes in Him; not a person who does not. It's so funny that I used to think Jesus was talking about children in the literal sense. Those who are young in age. But now that I have new eyes to see, I realize Jesus is referring to those who know and trust their parent - Father God. Be aware - It’s not possible to believe in Christ without following the leading of the Holy Spirit, and knowing the Word of God. In fact, the Word and the Son of Man are the very same thing. They both tell the story of Jesus. You see, the Word that was spoken from the beginning of time! The Suffering Servant, the Passover Lamb, the Seed of the woman, the Righteous Cornerstone, the Cut Rock that would bring the statue down. Jesus! The Lion of Judah who rules with scepter in hand! Jesus! The Coming King who rules the New Jerusalem. If anyone claims to know Christ, but is confused or misled by what the Scripture says, then more time needs to be spent dying to self, sitting at the cross and sending prayers and supplications up to Him, with a thankful heart. It's all about fellowship with God. The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth, and He will give you knowledge, wisdom and courage to make it through. God will honor your heartfelt request to be in right fellowship with Him. There are so many verses to back up what I’ve said, but I don’t want to make this poem too long - so I’ll just list some verses in case you want to dive in more on your own: Matthew Chapter 7, Luke Chapter 11 and 1 John 1. We know for a fact, that people’s hearts and minds are completely transformed without even knowing what the Bible says. This happens to people when Jesus shows up through a vision or a dream, or an auditory sensory experience, like Saul had! In an instance, he was forever changed! On the road to Damascus is where his conversion happened - and God gave him a new name. See Acts Chapter 9 for more information. This is what God is doing in many nations, where the Bible is banned and people are persecuted for being Christian. Jesus is going directly to them, and introducing himself through dreams and visions. People’s eyes are being completely opened, even in countries like China and Iran. And then, when they see the written Word of God, they understand it's meaning and His intent. There’s one more thing I need to share about God’s children, “the little ones” that Jesus speaks of - they walk by faith, not by sight, and they produce good fruit of the Spirit, they are not driven by the flesh. See the 5th Chapters of 2 Corinthians, Ephesians and Galatians to gain a better understanding of this. Jesus says, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea." Matthew 18:6 As you can see, Jesus is an extremely protective sibling. He loves His brothers and sisters, the Children of God. In fact, Jesus even made a threat to the person or the demon who causes them to sin - “Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!” Matthew 18:7 Jesus understands that temptations will come, because Satan has been given authority over this world, until Gods appointed time. For whatever reason, this is God’s decision, whether we like it or not. See the whole Book of Job for further clarification of this! But woe to the person who causes another to slip into sinful slumber! Jesus says that the consequence will be worse than drowning under water with no way out! This is why it’s so important that teachers and pastors be grounded in the whole Word of God! They are accountable for the words that they say, and the actions that could lead people astray! Can you imagine the consequence a false teacher or pastor will have to pay if they lead hundreds of people away from the truth? And can you imagine being such a blind follower, or timid human that you do not question teachers and pastors when they are way off base with what the Word of God says? Jesus says, “If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.” Matthew 18:6-9 This is a serious spiritual condition that needs Believers special attention! This type of infection can easily spread! It can be even worse than cancer, because it could mean the difference between Hell and Heaven. You see, I don’t believe Jesus is just talking about the physical parts of ourselves. I believe He is referring to the whole Body of Christ. If the hands or the feet or the eyes or the mouth are infecting the Church - the actual Body of Christ, then they need to be cleansed, or cut off and cast out before it gets worse! It doesn’t surprise me that the next section of scripture in Matthew 18 is the Parable of Lost Sheep! It all makes total sense. We must remember there is only One Shepherd to whom we are accountable; and the little ones answer ONLY to HIS call! Children of God, Be careful of being led astray - Listen closely for the Voice of God!
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