Through the Eyes of a Child
Just a quick update on the annual Christmas event for the children in the feeding program in Buchanan, Liberia, Africa for their gifts of clothing and food: this first week, 7 men covered 131 children at $10 each ($1,310). 169 kids left at $10 each ($1,690). Donate a tax-deductible gift by clicking here. Email info@theknightscode.com with questions.
Christmas is so much about children, as it should be, but then this season also reminds us that Jesus said we need to become like a little child to receive Him (Matthew 18:3).
Every day in writing Christian resources, I use many different versions of the Bible. In attempting to make a spiritual point the strongest way possible, I will often read a passage in a dozen versions to find the one that will best communicate and connect the truth of Scripture to the intended audience.
Recently, I “happened onto” a Bible version that is 10 years old but I had never seen. It’s called “The Jesus Storybook Bible,” written/paraphrased by Sally Lloyd-Jones, a Christian British woman who specializes in creating children’s resources. I ordered one and have been reading this Bible for the past two weeks in my daily personal time. Yes, that’s right, I’ve been reading a kid’s Bible. I have been refreshed, challenged, and blown away by the new take on familiar stories. Jones weaves Christ throughout the classic Old Testament passages to connect one Great Story for “kids.” Here are a few examples.
From the end of the Garden story in Genesis: Well, in another story, it would all be over and that would have been The End. But not in this Story. God loved his children too much to end the story there. Even though he knew he would suffer, God had a plan—a magnificent dream. One day, he would get his children back. One day, he would make the world their perfect home again. And one, day, he would wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Brilliant to weave Revelation 7:17 and 21:4 back into Genesis.)
From Psalm 23: Even when I walk through the dark, scary, lonely places I won’t be afraid because my Shepherd knows where I am.
From Jesus’ baptism: “This is my own Son. And I love Him. I am very pleased with him,” God said. “Listen to him.” Heaven had broken through. The Great Rescue had begun.
From the crucifixion: The full force of the storm of God’s fierce anger at sin was coming down. On his own Son. Instead of his people. It was the only way God could destroy sin, and not destroy his children whose hearts were filled with sin. Then Jesus shouted in a loud voice, “It is finished!” And it was. He had done it. Jesus had rescued the whole world. “Father! Jesus cried. “I give you my life.” And with a great sigh he let himself die. Strange clouds and shadows filled the sky. Purple, orange, black. Like a bruise.
So if you have a young child anywhere in your life, get “The Jesus Storybook Bible.” If you want to order a case for your family or church to give away, go to Biblesinbulk.com. But before you wrap it, read it. The whole thing. Just trust me. The Word is the Word, no matter how you package it. And maybe, it would be good for us all to read the Bible through the eyes of a child once again. Because to our Heavenly Father, that is what we are (1 John 3:1).