As I write the Great Pottery Throw Down is still on our TV schedules. The series on Channel 4 follows a dozen amateur potters over several weeks, giving them challenges to make out of clay until eventually one is crowned the winner. At the end of each programme the remaining potters bring their creations up to the judging table for praise or condemnation.
I have been struck by one in particular – Emily – who every time smiles and giggles like a child. She is utterly delightful! She comes forward with fear and trepidation (as if approaching the headmaster at school), places her offering on the table, then takes a step back to await comment. She gets so excited by the judges’ feedback and blushes with delight when it is good. (It usually is!)
Jesus said, “Let the little children to come to me, and do not hinder them” (Matthew 19.13). He is telling the disciples off for having rebuked the children’s parents. Jesus didn’t want to only bless the intellectuals and the skilled in verbal debate. He also wanted to bless the children: those innocent of the ways of the world, but who are no different to the rest of us in their need for blessing, encouragement and forgiveness. In the simplicity of their understanding there is often a real appreciation of who Jesus truly is.
We all need to come before Jesus like little children. We may come with fear and trepidation, but we bring what we can and offer it to God at the altar. We then step back and take time to listen to what God wants to tell us. We can be assured that God loves us, and loves what we bring forward, and wants us to flourish in our service. We may come with guilt, but through Jesus there is absolution. We, too, can stand in God’s presence and laugh and smile and giggle like a child.
This movement from humble fear to the confidence to stand before God reflects the Lenten discipline of penitence. God is longing to forgive – indeed, God sent Jesus that we might find our way back to God. As we taken on the Lent disciplines of giving, praying and fasting, let us be willing to come as little children before our great and loving Creator God.