The Little Ones Go In
“Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.”Deuteronomy 1:39 (KJV)
When the spies came back with bad news, Israel panicked. They said their children would become victims in the land. God’s answer turned their fear upside down.
“Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.” The ones they were afraid for were the ones who would inherit.
Jesus said something similar about a different kingdom: “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” The way in isn’t through being strong, experienced or impressive. It is through being small and trusting.
If you feel like you don’t know enough or haven’t done enough, take heart. The kingdom is given to little ones. Come like a child.
Read it yourself
Read Deuteronomy 1:26–39. What did Israel say about God’s reasons for bringing them out of Egypt?
What would it look like to come to God like a little child today?
Father, I come to you like a child. Thank you that the kingdom is a gift, not a reward. Amen.