Let the Children Come
One evening before Phoebe Palmer's daughter Sarah went to bed, Mrs. Palmer read a story to her and it became evident that Sarah was ready to give her heart to Jesus. They talked, prayed, and sang for the next two hours. Long past bedtime she remained in her daughter's room, reading the Bible to her, until she thought Sarah fell asleep.
Mrs. Palmer said she would remember this evening "in time and in eternity, as one of the most important in my Christian history."
Children are born with a willingness to receive the kingdom of God. "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it" (Mark 10:15). Recognizing our children as being created deeply spiritual will help us train them with both sensitivity and confidence.
"Let the little children come to me," Jesus said. A child's natural response is to go to Jesus. When our daughter was very young and I was reading a book about Jesus, we turned to the page that pictured Jesus hanging on the cross. Immediately, she pulled the book up and kissed the picture.
Pray earnestly for your children to respond early to this natural desire to invite Jesus to live in their hearts. Children never need to leave the kingdom. Look for an opportunity to present the simple story of the gospel, and expect the Holy Spirit to deal with your children.
Invite your child to express his desire to ask Jesus into his heart. An invitation reminds the child of his need. If there is no invitation when the child is ready, he may harden his heart. If someone invites us to a meal, prepares it, and we come hungry, we're disappointed if there is no invitation to eat. It's logical to give an invitation.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts. 16:31).
After prayer, celebrate with your child, making it an occasion to be remembered and treasured. "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10).
As the parent, it is now your responsibility to help the child grow in the knowledge of the Lord and to keep a clear conscience.
