Beginning with Heaven's Eligibility
The face that a child wears is their own face. ~ Brennan Manning
It is my continual intention to honor who the Lord honors (but too many times I still falter). He is always right. He even welcomes children. Nothing new really there. Humility bore the babe of the cradle to the cross.
Matthew 18 defines the worthy unseen when Jesus chastises His proud disciples:
He called a little child to Him, and placed the child among them. And He said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:2-3)
Jesus' new/young disciples were too busy 'lusting within' to notice the presence of children. These disciples' thoughts were arrested by jockeying for the spoils of heaven:
... who will be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:1)
Is that not our broken reflection of being made in the image of our God - He who alone is worthy of all glory?
Adults are not the measure of heaven's eligibility, it is children.
... from the lips of children and infants You have ordained praise. (Psalm 8:2)
In countless ways Jesus' experience was beaten by men but blessed by children. As this New Year is now ushered in please note - God will not look you over for medals, diplomas or honors, but for scars. ~ Anon
The Last Word:
In effect, Jesus said, blessed are you if you love to be unknown and regarded as nothing. ~ Brennan Manning