When I spend time with my granddaughters, we often watch an episode of Bible Adventures. These episodes are found on YouTube and begin with a song that says, “On your mark, get set go, on a Bible Adventure!” Each Bible story is geared towards pre-school aged kids who go on a journey with Emily and an animated star named Shine. They sing memorable songs with Mr. Music, memorize a verse with Guy the Bible Guy; and see how the Bible story applies to an everyday situation with Shine's animated friends.
During a particular music segment this week, my oldest Grand pulled out every blanket in her mom’s antique chest for our impromptu dance floor session. Emmie twirled around in her princess shoes with rainbow ribbons, singing loudly. After the song, I asked, “Do you know Who God’s Son is? “No,” she replied. “Who is God’s Son, Gigi?” I answered, “You know him honey. His Name is Jesus.” She stopped what she was doing, stood perfectly still, and looked up at me with such intensity that I held my breath. She then blurted out, “You mean Jesus is God’s Son?! You mean Jesus, Who is God too, is God’s Son?! I never knew that!!” Seeing her connect the dots in her mind was priceless. For this seasoned mom, grandma, and Jesus follower, this special moment brought me back to the joy and wonder of realizing how much God loves His kids and what He did to show that Love. His message is Good News!
Emmie’s response to this information reminded me of Matthew, who recorded the following discussion between Jesus and Peter:
When Jesus arrived in the villages of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “What are people saying about who the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some think he is John the Baptizer, some say Elijah, some Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”
He pressed them, “And how about you? Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter said, “You’re the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus came back, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am.
(Matthew 16:13-17 MSG)
Father God, thank You for reminding me of Who You are and what’s already been done through Jesus. I was filled with awe as I saw the lightbulb go off in Emmie’s mind. The childlike innocence and light from her eyes and smile hit me smack in the heart. So thank You again for that! Amen. Lisa M. Neal