Mouths of Babes

As we have been reading through Matthew, the reference to children has been standing out to me more than ever...child like faith especially.

I was reading Matt. 21:14-16 the KJ version says:
14)And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. 15) and when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, 16) And said to unto Him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea: have ye never read, out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou has perfect praise.

Perfect Praise... Perfect. So I Googled this verse because my study bible didn't have anything to say about this. I found that Jesus was referring to Psalms 8:2 KJV- Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies , that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

Well, I love the KJV...I was raised with it, but the NLT hits home for me. Ps 8 starts as a familiar hymn...
1)Oh Lord, our Lord you majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2)You have taught the children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.....

As you read the rest of the Psalm you can see how the greatness of God is praised...I don't wanna type it all...you should check it out, very cool. But what I think is so amazing is that amidst all the greatness, God gets the praise from children who are so young and naive, but their praise silences the enemies. No one is laughing at them...but silent. Imagine that praise.

As I compare the two translations, I get the idea that these children were ordained strength because of thine enemies...or taught to love Jesus despite a sinful world. He values them so much, and he seems to set them on a pedestal to teach us to be like them. And for us to teach them about Him.

I have heard many times from friends that being brought up in a Christian school was brain washing. I always argued that I was not brainwashed. Now I truly understand why. Jesus has a love for the children that is so strong that he calls us to take heed...and imitate them. I strongly believe that He loves us all, but the children, they are his priority...and it should be ours when it comes to teaching them about Christ and His word. It is not brainwashing, it is LOVE.

This all reminds me of a documentary I saw called "Jesus Camp"...and I have heard even some of my Christian friends say that it is brain washing, but I disagree...the film maker hints in that direction, but I never felt that way. The way the film is made will make you think at times that these people are weird, but if you watch the movie knowing what Jesus said.... you will see out of the mouths of babes comes praise that will put us adults to shame. It is kinda controversial (some might think it is phony and the kids are just imitating their parents), but personally it brought me to tears, and I hoped my kids would have that fire for God.

Dont get me wrong... It doesn't matter how you find Jesus. Whether you lived your whole life without Him until the end, or grew up with Him. I think Jesus values us when we accept him like a child, regardless of our age.

Seriously see the movie if you haven't. It is a great thing to discuss or argue. Our friend Andy disagrees with me... he thinks it is brain washing, and his parents were missionaries to Africa. He came back around to Jesus in his own way, so maybe that is why he thinks people should just do whatever and see what happens in the end.

If you don't understand what I am getting at please tell me...cause that is common. I am like my dad.