Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10
15 Jesus once again rebuked the disciples, for turning away those who brought their little children to be blessed by Him. Many parents today don’t think of blessing, or of having their children blessed, but Jesus blessed little children. He made time to impart something to them and showed tenderness and care for the young. Obviously we need wisdom for this, but parents can certainly bless their own children.
Isaac was tricked into blessing Jacob in place of Esau, perhaps according to the will of God, but his words were significant when he discovered what he’d done.
33 Isaac trembled violently and said, ‘Who was it, then, that hunted game and brought it to me? I ate it just before you came and I BLESSED HIM – AND INDEED HE SHALL BE BLESSED!’ Genesis 27
Isaac knew that the words he’d spoken had power to bless and they could never be withdrawn. He’d elevated Jacob above his brother and reversed the natural order of inheritance by the power of his blessing.
37 Isaac answered Esau, ‘I have made him lord over you and have made all his relatives his servants, and I HAVE SUSTAINED HIM WITH GRAIN AND NEW WINE. So what can I possibly do for you, my son?’ Genesis 27
The next part of Mark chapter 10 deals with the visit of the Rich young man, seeking counsel from the Lord. He told Jesus, perhaps a bit self-righteously, that he’d obeyed the law since his youth. But then the Lord touched something very dear to this young man’s heart.
21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. THEN COME, follow me.’
22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Mark 10
Jesus sent some away, back to their homes, but He told this man to sell up and then come and follow Him. The sacrifice seems to have been too great for him because when he left Jesus he was sad. May the Lord give us grace in every situation to choose Him above the things of this life, which will all pass with time.
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.
’He does all things well’. Mark 7:37