1. At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2. And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3. And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. (Matthew 18:1-5)
Introduction
Rebecca, though sincere in her devotion to God, had felt her enthusiasm wane amidst the busyness of adult life. A chance encounter with a butterfly, and young Luke’s childlike joy in the experience, served as a vivid reminder of the awe and wonder that should characterize her faith.
Devotional Story
Rebecca was diligently reading her Bible in the garden when she heard an excited voice. It was Luke, her young neighbor, enchanted by a butterfly fluttering about.
“Look, Miss Rebecca, a butterfly! Do you think God paints each one by hand?”
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1, KJV).
Caught off guard, Rebecca pondered the simple yet profound question. She had indeed lost that childlike sense of wonder.
Luke’s eyes followed the butterfly as it danced in the air. “Isn’t it amazing how it starts as a caterpillar and becomes something so beautiful? That’s like us when we find God, right?”
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV).
Rebecca felt her heart stir. Luke had captured the essence of transformation in Christ, something she had started to take for granted.
Finally, the butterfly settled on a flower, its delicate wings closing in prayer-like fashion. “I bet the butterfly is thanking God for the flower,” Luke mused.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV).
Conclusion
That day, Rebecca’s heart was touched and humbled by Luke’s observations. His childlike awe and wonder were a strong reminder of the attitude she should maintain in her walk with God.
“Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9, KJV).
Luke’s excitement served as an inspiration for Rebecca to reinvigorate her own relationship with God, reminding her that a deep sense of wonder and awe is essential in our journey of faith.
“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3, KJV).