The Action of Babes
This morning as we waited for the bus I was blessed with a revelation out of the action of babes. My children and I are used to the bus coming a half hour early. So we have been ready very early. We ventured out to the end of the lane for what was a very long wait.
Our favorite new pastime is listening to a praise song before school. Lately it is accompanied by Mandisa and “It’s a good morning!” We like to start the day danceing to the tune. Their second request this morning was Lead Me to the Cross by Francesca Batisstelli.
As we listened they began to do something which blessed me so much:
Each girl began to be the cross one at a time. Then one of the sisters would lead the other to the cross. When they got there the one being the cross would embrace her all smiles. (I watched them with awe and then had them pose for the photos.)
- Embracing the Cross that Embraces You
What a picture of grace and mercy that our loving Savior has for each of us every time we come to the cross. A Jesus with skin on picture of who we should be if we are in Christ and He is in us. Inviting others to be embraced by grace and mercy instead of judgment. Leading them to the cross and being the representation of grace and mercy to others when we need to be. Is this why we are shaped like a cross?
Contagious?
Yesterday as I was reading lecture notes from evangelism class there was a quote which I loved.
“Preach the gospel and when necessary use words.” St. Francis of Assisi
The quote is often controversial because people misquote it saying “if necessary”, but it is “WHEN necessary”. We need to remember that when being a Christian actions speak louder than words. Jesus didn’t just preach the gospel. He was the gospel. Being Christlike means being the gospel.
The lecture my professor used took quotes from the book Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels and Mark Mittelburg. Do we want judgment or grace to be contagious?
Hangman or Grace and Mercy
As I worship the Lord this morning I thank Him that the simplicity of the gospel message that was shared in the actions of my children as they gave action to the lyrics demonstrating a beautiful expression of Christ likeness.
God today we want to give you praise for the people who preach the gospel without words. Yes, preaching involves words, but actions speak louder than words do. Faith leads to corresponding action.
Today I thank you Lord for those who have been Jesus with skin on to me ,this year especially, but also for all those who have been throughout my life. I pray I can be the gospel and not just preach it like my kids have shown me. I pray that my faith has corresponding action that leads to loving good works out of gratefulness of what you have done for me.
3And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3-4 NIV
Another Samaritan Woman 