The Wise May Bring Their Learning
The Wise May Bring Their Learning
The wise may bring their learning,
The rich may bring their wealth,
And some may bring their greatness,
And some bring strength and health;
We, too, would bring our treasures
To offer to the King;
We have no wealth or learning:
What shall we children bring?
We’ll bring Him hearts that love Him;
We’ll bring Him thankful praise,
And young souls meekly striving
To walk in holy ways:
And these shall be the treasures
We offer to the King,
And these are gifts that even
The poorest child may bring.
We’ll bring the little duties
We have to do each day;
We’ll try our best to please Him,
At home, at school, at play:
And better are these treasures
To offer to our King,
Than richest gifts without them;
Yet these a child may bring.
THIS ANONYMOUS, probably American, hymn was written for children. But the message is for everyone—all who have “little duties” to perform each day. Jesus treasured children. He welcomed them when the disciples turned them away. He loved their praises and sought to protect them. He once used a boy’s lunch to feed a multitude.
This was consistent with Jesus’ topsy-turvy message. It is not the wealthy, the strong, or even the wise who are great, but the humble, the servants, the poor, the children. You cannot enter the kingdom unless you become like a child. Wisdom, wealth, power—these are worthless currency in Christ’s kingdom. He deals in hearts of love, praise, and devotion. These are the gifts He longs to receive.
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Luke 18:15-17
From the book
