Hey all!
I’m hoping to keep this one short and sweet – but I had a cool picture from the Lord this morning during my quiet time that I wanted to share. I hope it speaks to you as well.
As we’ve traveled throughout Asia, there have been a couple of countries where it’s customary to give and receive things with two hands to be polite. That’s true here in Korea as well. To me, it’s a beautiful picture of what being blessed looks like – to take something with two hands because maybe it’s totally unexpected or undeserved and you’re just so grateful to receive it or because maybe what you’re receiving is honoring to you. I see it most often in the children here – when they receive something from an adult (their plate of food, a surprise snack, etc.) they take it with both hands. With adults and foreigners, it can get a little confusing – but even at church on Sunday, I found myself using two hands to receive an unexpected snack from a volunteer – like a child.
While reading through Luke, we read about the Lord rebuking His disciples for trying to keep the children from coming to Him.
“But Jesus called for them, saying, ‘Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” (Lk 18:16-17)
And I can just see this picture of a child approaching the Lord and receiving His blessing, and goodness, and grace – with two hands.
Many times, I feel like my interactions with God can go something like this:
“Lord, I’d like to receive my calling now.”
I extend one hand forward, palm up. Give it to me.
…
“Lord, I would love to get married now. I’ll receive a husband.”
Again, hand outstretched. Palm ready to receive. Hand him over.
…
“Father, give me grace to handle this situation. I’ve done all I can do and I deserve Your assistance now.”
My hand shoots forward while I impatiently shuffle from foot to foot waiting expectantly.
…
“GOD – WHY CAN’T I HAVE THIS NOW?!”
And now I’m in full on tantrum mode, both fists banging on the ground.
I was reading a book recently, titled “The Jesus I Never Knew” (by Philip Yancey), and I remember a section that discussed this exact Scripture. I’d always read this verse thinking to myself, “Yes, children are innocent and pure and we should endeavor to remain that way to receive all the Kingdom has to offer.” But that’s not what it’s saying at all. Yancey’s commentary reveals that it’s HOW children receive that sets them apart
– not who they are and what they have or haven’t done. Children haven’t had the opportunity to EARN anything they are receiving – whether it’s food, a toy, love… They don’t try and ingratiate themselves to you – because they don’t know that’s even an option. Many times, they aren’t even expectant. They are just blessed and grateful to receive whatever it is that you have to give them – like it’s a wonderful joy and surprise.
So when I sit back and reflect on this verse and this picture that the Lord has given me – I realize that I have some room to grow with the Lord in this area. And then I see myself sitting with the Lord, just enjoying His presence – when out of no where, He presents me with a beautiful treasure. A revelation of His goodness and faithfulness, a husband, wisdom for a current situation, a calling, grace for a teammate – and I’m just so pleased to receive it and grateful because I didn’t know I would be getting it today. I had been hopeful to receive this gift one day – but I didn’t allow that hope to keep me from experiencing His goodness right now.
My question to you today: What things have you been holding out your one hand to the Lord for lately? Is it keeping you from experiencing the Lord’s goodness right now?
Ask the Lord to show you the ways in which you’ve been “unchildlike” toward him. Sit with Him as He shows you – and enjoy Him. And when He blesses you with an answer to your prayers, when He rewards you for your faith and obedience – just receive it with two hands.
For His glory,
Nat
