Becoming A Child

Once again, Grace Community Chapel commissioned World Champion Sand Sculptor, Dan Belcher create a fantastic sculpture.  Do you remember the one I posted from last year? If not, check out this post.

This year's creation is called Becoming A Child.

Here is the info in the brochure:

Politicians liketo have their picture taken holding babies or surrounded by children.  It seems to reveal that they are real people who actually have a heart.  Maybe it points to "family values".  Sometimes it is fake, but it looks good for the camera.

One day some people brought children to Jesus so that He would pray for them.  If Jesus' followers had been good political advisors, they would have recognized the opportunity for a great "photo op", but instead, they tried to turn away the children.  Maybe they thought Jesus was too busy or too tired to deal with the children.  Maybe they thought Jesus had more important things to do.  There are still a lot of people who think that Jesus does not care about them.

Jesus saw what happened and said, "Let the children come to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."  And he laid his hands upon them and blessed them (Matthew 19:13-15).  Jesus always has time for those who come to Him.

But what did he mean when He said that the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these?  If a man came to Him, He might profit from having another follower.  A woman might bring financial support or help with the camp while traveling.  Jesus might be said to profit from many who came to Him, but children have nothing to offer.  They have no money, no strength to serve, no wisdom for counsel.  In fact, children must be cared for.  Children are totally dependent on others for food, protection, and nurture.

Perhaps that is why at another time Jesus said, "Unless you become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of Heaven."  No one will ever gain entry to Heaven through wealth or accomplishment.  Though many have thought they could earn acceptance with God by doing good deeds, the Bible says, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  Our sin has separated us from God.

God in his mercy sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.  Jesus Christ died for our sin, paying the penalty that should have been ours, and rose again. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith . . .not as a result of works."  That faith is the simple trust of a child.  It is total dependence upon Jesus rather than ourselves to make us right with God.

The invitation is to everyone who will believe with childlike faith.  "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved." (Acts 16:31)  Become a child . . .a child of God!

To see more of Dan's projects go to:  http://www.ampersandworkshop.com/