Dare to Hope

READ: MARK 10:13-16

Even though I would be one among a crowd of thousands, I was completely confident I could meet the President of the United States of America. As a child, I joined one of my classes in visiting a political rally. We drove a couple of hours to hear the current president speak as he campaigned for a second term. On the way to be dropped off for the field trip, I announced to my mom that I’d brought a special journal in which I planned to ask the president to sign his autograph. I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity!

Of course, I didn’t get his autograph. I didn’t get within 100 yards of the president. Our student group stood with scores of other attendees, prevented from reaching the president not only by the mass of people but by barricades and security guards too. I had high hopes of meeting the president, although I suspect the adults around me knew I’d never return home with that desired autograph.

Yet, I wonder if that’s the kind of childlike faith Jesus wanted for His followers when He told them to “receive the kingdom of God like a little child” (Mark 10:15). Receiving His Kingdom requires faith in Jesus as our Savior—as the one who lived a perfect life, died in our place, and then rose again. It requires trusting in a big God who promises to purify us from our sins, give us life as new creations, and provide the way for us to have a relationship with Him. Trusting our lives to Jesus gives us a new identity, a new autograph of our own: children of God. Little children dare to hope in extraordinary ways, believing almost anything is possible. Like little children, we can dare to hope and believe that God will fulfill all of His promises. Because in Jesus, our greatest hopes—and our greatest needs—are fulfilled. • Allison Wilson Lee

• When we put our trust in Jesus, we are turning to Him to receive forgiveness and follow Him, instead of going our own, independent ways (you can find more about this on our "Know Jesus" page). What do you think it means to “receive the kingdom of God like a little child”?

• What holds you back from deeper hope in Jesus—such as doubts, fears, or past disappointments? God wants to help us grow in our faith, and He invites us to be totally honest with Him about how we struggle to trust Him and to ask for His help (Mark 9:24). Consider taking some time to talk to Him now.

“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10:15 (NIV)