December 26

Healing Horsepower

Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me (Mark 9:37).

Scripture: Mark 9:33-37

Song: “All God’s Children”

A hot wind blows the scent of hay across the arena. In the center a little girl in a pink helmet perches on a big white horse. She sits tall and calls, “Walk on!” Her parents exchange wide grins, but this isn’t a normal riding lesson. Their daughter has special needs, and it is an equine therapy session, which helps children and adults with disabilities. It can’t happen, though, without compassionate volunteers, committed to serving these children and adults.

In this riding lesson, with volunteers leading the horse and supporting her on each side, the little girl can work without fear on tasks the instructor gives her to improve her speech, balance, or strength. The lesson ends with high-fives all around and a hug for Moses, the horse.

Jesus always gave love and attention to children, who loved and trusted Him. In this passage Jesus calls a child to stand next to Him as He teaches the disciples. They had been arguing about who was greatest, not how to serve others. It could have been scary to stand among all those adults, but with Jesus’ arms around him, the child leans back without fear. In this child’s humble trust and dependence on Jesus, the disciples saw that true greatness means serving others and leading them to Christ.

Heavenly Father, help us humbly serve You by welcoming and helping children and others in need, so they may rest secure in the arms of Christ. In Your name I pray, amen.