Mark 9:30-37 (NRSV)
Read Mark 9:30-37 on biblegateway.com
Verse 33Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?"
Verse 34But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest.
Verse 35He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all."
Verse 36Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them,
Verse 37"Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me."
Devotion
Who came in first? Who won? Who is the greatest, largest, most powerful, most beautiful? It is good to be "biggest" or "most" for then you get preferred seating, VIP service, the admiration of others. We admire (and if we’re honest, a bit jealous of) people who do things bigger and better than we do them.
Our congregation is small. I am always asked "how many were there?" I know our numbers are less than of those who ask. How do I respond and let them know that our congregation is a wonderful place to be, lesser in no way. And so my answer to how many is "enough."
God always has a surprising plan. Enough is less. The last are first, the least are greatest. The smallest! A child! "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me..." Let us welcome the children as if welcoming Christ himself.
Prayer
Gracious God teach me enough. Amen.