Greatness

​11/3/20
Today’s devotion is based on Mark 9:37, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.”
In this Bible reading, Jesus challenges our concept of greatness. Jesus focuses on a child and says the way that you are towards this child reflects how you are towards him, and, by extension, how you are toward the Father. He could have used a different example: an abused woman, a victim of pedophilia, a homeless person, a refugee – anyone whom society might consider to be at the lower rung of the social ladder. A child! Shun this person, ignore their cries for fair treatment, widen the gap between the marginalized and the rest of society, and you are way off the mark in terms of greatness in God’s framework of reference.
Please pray with me the prayer for today:  Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, for being different from what we might expect and showing us another mindset. Give us eyes to see the ones you most want us to welcome, and in doing so, we welcome you. Accept my prayers through Jesus, my Savior, and help me according to your wisdom. Amen.