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by Darryl Budge

Who is the “greatest” in God’s Kingdom?

SOMEONE WHO IS HUMBLE LIKE ALL LITTLE CHILDREN. (Matthew 18)

The disciples came to Jesus saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

He called a child, had him stand among them, and said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven!”

“Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

A little child, who is morally innocent according to Scripture (Deut 1:39, Eze 18:20, Rom 7:9), has the model of humility before God, relevant for the oldest adult. How do we follow Jesus’ saying that “the last” on this earth “will be first” in His everlasting kingdom?

“And whoever welcomes a child like this in My name welcomes Me.”

One clear way to become humble is to sincerely love little children, the unborn and newborn, and lovingly welcome them just as Jesus did.

The more time we spend with them, the more we understand what true humility is.

Jesus said, “See that you *do not disdain* (perhaps meaning to not mock or revile or see them as “evil”) one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven.”

Little children may not know much about God, but because they are morally humble, lacking any pride (moral rejection of God) they are always on God’s mind as their angels minister to God about them at all times.

Jesus explained, “What do you think? If someone owns a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go look for the one that went astray? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that one of these little ones be lost.”

Just as an earthly shepherd doesn’t allow a sheep who *belongs to His fold* to be lost, so the Father will never condemn a little child (who is incapable of disbelieving God per Jn 3:18) to the Lake of Fire judgement. Never, ever. A little child is one of God’s sheep 🐑, but AFTER that person matures and consciously awakens to God’s law (Ro 7:9), then he or she chooses whether they humbly want to remain His sheep or reject Him and become a proud “goat” (as Jesus says elsewhere), who can still decide to surrender to Jesus and enter His gate into His sheepfold.

What will you do to become humble like a little child and seek His kingdom?

Author: Darryl Budge

President – Coalition for the Defence of Human Life (Coalition for Life WA) Western Australia Director / Communications Officer – FamilyVoice

Darryl Budge (B.A. Justice Studies) serves as the State Director of Family Voice in Western Australia. He has written in Christian media for 14 years, helping God’s church reach out through real-life stories. He has long experience speaking about the love and truth of Jesus through our human pains and struggles, which was made more vivid through his recent battle with cancer. He also leads the Communications Team, developing publications and responses to issues that arise in the nation.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of life, especially the gift of the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Lord, we humbly ask that as You change us through these 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, that You will awaken Your Ekklesia to understand Your truth about the high value of every child that You send to earth.

Awaken our culture to a greater awareness of the sanctity and uniqueness of every conception and raise a greater desire to provide for and protect every baby and child. Lord, may many more surrender to You, especially those finding themselves in a situation of unplanned or crisis pregnancy. We ask that Your truth and light guide more Australians to choose life and be blessed to take that stance. In Your powerful and wonderful Name, Lord Jesus, Amen.

Worship

Prayer Points

• Pray that the Spirit of Truth goes forth to make abortion unthinkable in Australia.
• Lord, it was decreed over this nation that it is part of Your ‘Great South Land’ of the Holy Spirit. We thank You for pouring out Your Spirit of Truth over all people; may we as the South Pacific Family open our hearts to embrace You as the King of Kings and serve You to see your Kingdom Come here on Earth as it is in Heaven! God bless Australia and the entire Pacific Nations in 2025!
• That the Body of Christ unifies in prayer and advocacy, upholding the sanctity of life from conception to natural death in our unique spheres of influence — speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.
• Pray for the Lord to empower men to lead in the protection of women and children.
• That Australians will vote according to the defence of LIFE in all the upcoming elections. That the political leaders who have muzzled the politicians from any discussion or bills about abortion — repent, and these bans be lifted in Qld, SA and Federally. That the Babies Born Alive (Human Rights — Children Born Alive Protection Bill 2021) tabled in the Australian Federal Parliament be passed with no more delay, legislating across Australia that babies born alive after a failed abortion, receive proper medical care and legal protection.
• That every church across Australia be a trusted place of mercy and compassion, operating as a House of Refuge. Creating havens of safety and acceptance for those experiencing an unplanned/crisis pregnancy or who have been hurt by a previous abortion.
• For Hubs of Love to be established in every city and town in the nation.
• Women and men in crisis to phone the compassionate and confidential Pregnancy Help Australia or visit a life-affirming pregnancy centre — being protected from pro-abortion doctors or clinics.
• That the abortionist doctors and nurses involved will have the spiritual veil of deception removed to see the humanity of the unborn — causing deep repentance. Help the Body of Christ to be ready to lead them in healing.
• We pray for every state and territory of Australia to arise in the cause of defending life in the womb from the tragedy of abortion and come together to walk for life. A blessing on the “Walk for Life Adelaide” on 8 February 2025 and “March for Life” Brisbane — date TBA, Mackay “March for the Babies” in October, “March for the Babies” Melbourne, Perth’s Rally for Life in May, and for all Territories and States to join in and hold a Walk for Life in their city/region.
• Pray for Love Adelaide’s Walk for Life 2025 on 8^th February from 10am-12pm to grow in momentum and fruitfulness. Pray for effective doors of favour to open, health and strength for the leaders, speakers and volunteers, for finances, safety and perfect weather.