Matthew 9
The biblical Greek word for “welcome” is most often translated as δεχομαι (dechomai), which means “to receive,” “to accept,” or “to welcome”. It can also be translated as “to receive favorably,” “give ear to,” “embrace,” or “approve”. Another relevant word is aspazomai (ἀσπάζομαι), which can mean “to greet,” “bid welcome,” or “receive joyfully”. Additionally, proslambano (προσλαμβάνω) can be used to mean “to welcome” or “to take in addition”.
In Scripture, it is also used to describe Jesus taking a child into his arms, an embrace, or the act of listening carefully to what someone is saying.
“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” -Matthew 18:4-5 NIV
On this Father’s Day, these words of Jesus have touched my heart. We know that mothers are nurturing and caring, but our perception of fathers in our nation is lacking in so many ways.
The word “welcome” leaped off the page, and Jesus says not to welcome or receive a child is not to receive me.
Our nation has become one of the most unwelcome places for a child. Over 60 million babies aborted, families divided by divorce, fathers abandoning their children, child pornography, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and child sex trafficking. We see everyday children’s lives cut short in drive-by shootings. Not to mention the godless indoctrination of Woke.
Here, Jesus speaks concerning children’s value and how they should feel in our lives—WELCOMED! Jesus told His disciples that He came to show us the Father. The welcome mat of the Godhead, lead by the Father, is: whosoever will may come, freely come.
Jesus also says with great promise, “He that cometh to me I will in no way cast out.”
I believe we have missed this truth concerning children and how the kingdom of God is increased. Suffer the little children to come unto Me. You are Welcome, welcome, welcome!
This morning, as a father, is the spirit of welcoming seen in me? There is so much truth here, such as the Father waiting for the prodigal to return. The Father waits on us, ready to welcome His children no matter what condition they find themselves in.
My prayer this morning is that the children of our nation will be welcomed by their fathers, accepted and valued once again. Men of this nation, fathers, repent. That once again the welcome mat of the kingdom will be rolled out and, receiving these little ones in His name, we will welcome Him. Jesus.
-KC
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