Which kind of wisdom do you have?

This picture reminds me so much of my son who is 6.  His child-like faith amazes me at times.  Just the other day he was asking me some questions, and apparently one of my answers communicated some fear or frustration on my part.  He immediately spoke up and said, "Dad, why dont you just pray about it and trust God silly."  I was like SNAP!  I could not even remember what I said, but I could sense the same feeling of insecurity that my son could obviously sense as well.  My response was to try to fix it myself and use my knowledge or "wisdom", but his response was to trust God.  He is such an awesome young man and full of faith!

It got me thinking about Jesus' remarks about child-like faith.  In Luke chapter 10, Jesus has sent out his disciples to preach the Good News, heal the sick, cast out demons, etc.  They returned to him rejoicing that "even the demons obey us when we use your name Lord."  Jesus said "yes", and continues to explain the authority he has given his disciples.  Then he reminds them to not get a big ego about this authority and power, but rather rejoice that their names are written in heaven.

Then the best part comes at the end.  What Jesus has told them about their authority and power is awesome....to many it would have seemed outrageous!  Then Jesus was filled with joy from the Spirit of God and he prayed to God thanking Him that He has hidden these things from those who think they are wise, and only revealed them to those with child-like faith.  It pleased God to do it this way!

17When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!”

18“Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning!19Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. 20But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”

Jesus’ Prayer of Thanksgiving

21At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way.

Lord we receive your Word like a child.  Thank you for loving us.  Thank you for your Spirit.  Thank you for your love and grace.  Amen.