Tenderness - Christ’s Approach

Tenderness - Christ’s Approach

The kingdom of God belongs to such as these… receive the kingdom of God

like a little child. Lk 18:16-17

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15 People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Luke 18:15-17 (NIV)

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I had only been working on behalf of developmentally challenged individuals for two

years. In response to a call, I visited the province of New Brunswick to assist a

relatively new school program specially designed to serve children with developmental

challenges. In conversation with the teacher, I heard the following story:

After taking two summer school courses, the teacher welcomed her first class of five

youngsters at the beginning of September. The oldest boy was 14 and had not

experienced much support or appreciation at home. The youngest girl was six and

had Downs Syndrome. This girl loved life and was just excited about each new

experience. After the morning classes were over, the class placed their chairs and

tables in a circle so that they could have lunch together.

During lunch, the boy rose from his seat and quietly walked around the table to

stand beside the little girl. Then, as quick as lightening, he drew back his hand and

hit the girl hard across the face. While he returned to his seat, the girl dissolved

into tears. The teacher didn’t know how to respond. She was concerned that the boy

would receive greater negative reinforcement if she quickly condemned or punished

him. She wanted school to be something different from his past life experience.

Before she could respond, the girl rose and went over to the boy’s side. She leaned

over and gave him a kiss! Her response for discord and animosity was love.

The teacher was taught and the disruption was resolved that day in a way that

set a new course for the boy, the teacher and the rest of the class.

The message of Jesus and His apostles is a message of the conquering power of

God’s love lived out in human relationships. The man born of a virgin in the

backwater of the Roman Empire never wrote a book or raised an army, but He did

establish a lasting kingdom that has transformed society and individuals around the

world. The truth is that armies never change people’s hearts and newly won

political boundaries never bring harmony. Without love, humankind is on a

treadmill with lots of activity and pain, but with no real progress.

Take heart as you follow the teachings of Jesus. What seems absurd for much of

society is a foundational element of God's good news. It is life-changing and it has

the power to gradually move the mountains that you face today. There is no

shortcut. Follow the Way, the Truth and the Life. You can

trust God for the outcome.

 

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Heavenly Father, this world seems to belong to the strong. Nations battle for

supremacy, territories are expanded and the citizens are abused in the struggles.

Large companies and governments call the shots; they seldom yield to issues of

righteousness, mercy, love or fair play when their interests are under scrutiny.

We live in a world of bullies. Where are You in this? Surely there is a better way.

Please teach me how I should live my life when facing such opposition. Amen.

- Noel Churchman

Noel was the Executive Director of Christian Horizons form 1976 to 2001. The devotionals we will be using are from a book he wrote in 2005 called “Walking with God”. Noel’s reflections are grounded in his experiences as an educator, and provider of supports for individuals with exceptional needs as well as his life as a dedicated follower of Christ.