Let the children come.

I recently saw a bumper sticker that said, "Bible said it. I believe it. No more questions."

It's interesting how those who interpret scripture in a literal factual way--that is they believe the Bible is word for word from the lips of God--still pick and choose which words are most important.

For instance, some of the most profound statements in the Bible surround issues of justice and poverty. The underpriviledged of Biblical times clearly included women (especially widows--by death or divorce) and children (especially orphans) who had very few rights under the law. Jesus spoke out forcefully about these issues, and yet, there remain to this day Christian congregations and denominations that are fiercely patriarchal, believing that women and children should remain quiet and no man should ever take orders from a woman. This theology helps to buttress age-old systems of prejudice and repression. It infects our business, military, religious and political institutions.

In an effort to change the world, the Bible quotes Jesus saying, 16 "...Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." --Luke 18-16-17 (NRSV)
Jesus' mother Mary quoting Hannah saying,
"My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty..." --Luke 1:46b-53


On Sunday morning, when I invite children forward to sing, listen to the children's message, or lead us to the communion table, I am convinced that we are in some small way glimpsing the radical nature of the gospel. Jesus' message demands that we overturn historic social orders and long held prejudices. He points to the humble as models for life. He chastises the religious establishment for putting religious practice before mercy.

Jesus said it. I believe it. So, let's ask some more questions.
Why do we let so many children die of hunger each day?
Why has the US never had a woman president?
Why does it take a flood to convince us of our sinful participation in predjudice?
Why are billions of dollars spent on cosmetic surgery, when some have no insurance or access to basic healthcare?
Why do some churches continue to exclude whole classes and groups of people and have the audacity to quote scripture to reinforce their prejudicial positions?

For generations people have created gods in their own image in order to promote their own self interests and keep other groups of people subjugated. It is time to listen for the voice of Jesus, the kingdom of God is at hand.

So, let God's children--all of God's children--come, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.