Greatness at Child Height
The lower place where greatness begins.
Devotional Credit: Day by Day by Grace, Bob Hoekstra, gratitude for today’s inspiration.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
We chase greatness in so many ways, yet Jesus draws a small child into the circle and says, this is the picture. The way up in My kingdom is down. The door is low, so we stoop to enter. That is not a put down of your worth, it is an embrace of reality, God is great, and we thrive when we take the child’s place with Him.
Matthew tells us that the disciples asked for a ranking. Jesus answered with a child. The world trains us to climb, compare, and perform. Jesus trains us to receive, depend, and trust. A child is not empty of value, a child is rich with reliance. Spiritual greatness is not swagger, it is surrender.
This is not a call to childishness, it is a call to childlike humility. We do not shrink from courage or responsibility. We simply return to the posture of receiving life from Jesus moment by moment. In Him, we are new creation people. We do not manufacture holiness. We walk with the Lord who lives in us, and He expresses His life through us.
Thank you, Bob Hoekstra, for placing the spotlight where Jesus places it, on the surprising beauty of the lowest place. Today we receive that grace again. We are glad to belong to a kingdom where the small are seen, where the humble are lifted, where the greatest One became least for our sake.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I am with you, and I form the likeness of Jesus in you as you take the child’s place. I give grace to the humble. Draw near, and receive what I supply. In the kingdom of heaven, the way to life is turning, becoming like a little one, trusting the Father. I have joined you to the Son, you have died with Him, you are alive with Him, His life is in you. Remain in Him, and His fruit will appear in gentleness and lowliness. Do nothing from rivalry, count others more significant, take the towel rather than the throne, and you will find My power perfected in a quiet heart. Cast your cares on Me. Walk in compassion, kindness, meekness, and patience. What the world calls weakness, I call the doorway to greatness, for I choose what is low and despised to display My wisdom. You are My workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that I prepared. Walk in them with the lightness of a child who trusts his Father.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of kneeling to speak with a child at eye level. You lower yourself so the child can see your face, hear your voice, and feel safe. Conversation changes when you come down to that height. Volume softens. Pace slows. Connection grows. In the same way, humility brings your soul to the level where Jesus meets you. When you take the lower place, you become more aware of His presence, and His voice is easier to receive.
Try this today. When a tense moment rises, maybe at work or at home, quietly take the lower seat in your heart. Let Jesus shape your tone and timing. You might say, Lord, I yield the lead in this conversation to You, live Your life through me as I listen first and answer with gentleness.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that greatness in Your kingdom comes through the grace of humility. Thank You that Jesus became low for me, and that by Your Spirit I share His life. You have already given me a new heart, a new standing, and a new way to walk. I agree with You about the good of the lower place. I rest in the sufficiency of Jesus within me. I welcome the quiet strength that flows when I trust You. I receive the works You prepared for today, and I step into them with the ease of a child who knows he is loved. All glory to You.
Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section
Matthew 18:1-4; Psalm 145:3; Isaiah 14:14; Luke 9:46; Luke 22:24; Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:6-11; John 15:5; Philippians 2:3-11; James 4:6-10; 1 Peter 5:5-7; Colossians 3:12-17; Micah 6:8; Mark 10:13-16; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Romans 8:9-11