Newsletter from the diaconal ministry of the Protestant Church in Morocco-February 2014
new newsletter from the Protestant Church in #Morocco
Editorial: None of these little ones should perish!
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. (Matt 18:14)
But who are those little ones that God refuses to lose one? In our minds, little ones are particularly vulnerable people, those in situations of weakness, lessened and diminished. Most of us believe that it is our role as Christians to help people in need, so Christians are often committed to work together toward this goal. This is why the EEAM created the CEI (International Mutual Assistance Committee) — in order to assist those among us in great need. Generally, in our minds, these little ones are others, those who are not like us. It is rare for us to recognize ourselves in this category. Little ones are other people who need help, who need the gospel. So in our church many people believe that the CEI is only meant for migrants. Often, we don’t want to be put in the same category as migrants in need. Often, church members who go through difficult times are ashamed to come like migrants, and, indeed, with to present their needs.
But … Do we really understand what Jesus is trying to teach us? “And whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple–truly I tell you, none of these will lose their
reward.” (Matt 10: 42).” Is a disciple a little one according to Jesus? “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.”(Matt 18: 6). And he insists few verses later: “Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.” In other words, do not demean these small ones, do not despise them, do not see yourselves superior to them: they have a great, amazing privilege to look into God’s face continually!!
And Jesus drives the point home: “It is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that even one of these little ones be lost!” They are protected, set apart, recipients of eternal life by the will of God who does
not want to lose anyone!
The little one is therefore not who we think he is. For Jesus, he’s a disciple, someone who believes in Him. Little one, this is not another; this is us. We must completely change our perspective and reformat the way we see ourselves before going to try to proclaim the gospel or engage in CEI.
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