Childlike Faith

Just recently, my 5 year old grandson and I were talking about someone that he knew that had passed.  He told me that this person had died and gone to heaven so he wouldn't be able to ride his tractor anymore.  He then proceeded to ask me, "Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?"  He's 5!  How do you explain salvation to a 5 year old.

Thankfully, the Holy Spirit gave me an answer that seemed to satisfy him.  I said, "We as human beings make mistakes all of the time and some of those mistakes can keep us from going to heaven.  But when Jesus died, rose again, and went to heaven, it was so He could make a way for us to go to heaven."  In talking about it, I realized that I wanted him to understand that Jesus didn't leave him alone.  He knew that there is God the Father and God the Son, but I also told him that there is God the Spirit.  I told him, "Jesus went to heaven, but left the Holy Spirit to live inside of you.", at which he gave me a look, like "Say What"!!!  I then explained to him that the Holy Spirit is there to help him make good decisions.  That he would let him know what is good and bad, right or wrong.  He seemed to be okay with that and went on to play.

Oh, that we would have that kind of child like faith.  That we would ponder on the cross and think about why Jesus died there.  That we would marvel at His resurrection.  That we would wonder if he left us alone here to struggle on our own, only to discover that He is with us always, guiding us along the way.  Can we remember when we first understood the concept of the Trinity?  (As far as anyone can) I know that I grew up not knowing much about the Third Person, that I now treasure so much.  It seemed that most "grown ups" were frightened by and of the Holy Spirit.  But isn't it comforting to know, we never are alone.  No matter how desolate we feel and how impossible the circumstance, He is always there with us.  There is nothing of which to be frightened.

Jesus said that He would leave the Holy Spirit with us and that we would do far greater things than He!  Just imagine what we could do if we truly tapped in to the power available to us there.  So fear not!  YOU ARE NOT ALONE!  All Things Are Possible With God!  Feel His embrace, His presence, His love.  Lift up your face and see His loving gaze upon His child and accept that love with the untarnished innocence of a child.  Because, that is exactly how He sees you!  His Beloved!!!