Receiving the Kingdom as a Child

A 64-Year-Old Child Waiting for Daddy to Come Home

My name is Craig Rogers, and at 64 years old, I find myself experiencing something I never thought possible - the pure, unbridled excitement of a child waiting for his daddy to come home.

I believe with every fiber of my being that Jesus Christ is returning for His church between September 23rd and 24th, 2025. That’s just over a week from when I’m writing this. And as I sit here, my heart is racing with the same anticipation I felt as a six-year-old boy listening for the sound of my father’s van pulling into our driveway.

Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:19-20: “and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.”

Friends, what I’m experiencing right now is beyond anything I could ask or think. This is love that surpasses knowledge. This is being filled up to all the fullness of God. This is the power of God working within me, transforming a grown man into a child again - a child who knows his Daddy is coming home.

What These Next Few Days Look Like for Believing Children

Let me paint you a picture of what it’s like to wait for Jesus with childlike faith when you truly believe He’s coming in just days:

Every morning I wake up thinking, “Could this be the day?” My first thought isn’t about work, bills, or earthly concerns - it’s pure anticipation. Will today be the day I hear that trumpet? Will today be the day the dead in Christ rise first, and then we who are alive are caught up to meet Him in the air?

I find myself listening more intently to every sound. Just like I used to strain my ears as a child to hear daddy’s van, I catch myself pausing at unexpected noises, wondering if it could be the shout of the archangel or the trumpet of God.

My heart jumps with joy at the smallest reminders of His return. A cloud formation that looks like it could hide His appearing. A trumpet sound from a marching band. Even the mention of September on a calendar sends waves of excitement through my spirit.

I’m experiencing a supernatural peace about everything earthly. Bills? They don’t matter - I won’t be here to pay them. Career concerns? Irrelevant - I’m about to start an eternal career reigning with Christ. Health issues? Soon I’ll have a glorified body that never gets sick, never grows old, never dies.

And yet, this isn’t escapism or irresponsibility - it’s the natural response of a child who trusts his Father completely. I’m still faithful in my daily duties, still loving my wife Wendy, still caring for those around me. But everything is viewed through the lens of “Daddy’s coming home any minute now.”

This is what Jesus meant when He said we must receive the Kingdom like a child. This excitement, this trust, this simple faith that doesn’t need complex explanations or scholarly approval. Just a child’s heart that believes what Daddy promised and can hardly contain the joy of knowing He’s almost home.

And the most beautiful part? I’m not alone in this. All around the world, there are other children of God experiencing this same supernatural anticipation. We’re like siblings scattered throughout the house, all listening for the same sound, all ready to run to the same door, all competing for the same wonderful embrace.

This is the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. This is being filled up to all the fullness of God. This is Him doing far more abundantly beyond all that we could ask or think.

So let me share with you from Scripture what Jesus taught about receiving His Kingdom as a child, because I believe understanding this truth could determine whether you’re ready to run into His arms when that heavenly van pulls into the driveway of eternity.

What Jesus Taught Me About Receiving the Kingdom as a Child

As I’ve studied these passages over the years, but especially in these final days before His return, these verses have become intensely personal to me:

The Greatest in the Kingdom

Matthew 18:1-4 “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, ‘Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’”

Jesus Receives the Children

Mark 10:13-16 “And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.’ And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.”

Even the Infants

Luke 18:15-17 “And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. But Jesus called for them, saying, ‘Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.’”

As I reflect on what Jesus is teaching here, I see myself as that child again:

Absolute Trust and Dependence

- Matthew 18:3 - “unless you are converted and become like children.” Children trust completely without questioning their father’s ability to provide - and that’s exactly how I feel about Jesus right now.

- No self-sufficiency or independence from the Father.

Humility Without Pride

- Matthew 18:4 - “Whoever then humbles himself as this child.” Children have no pretense, no status to protect - and I find myself caring less and less about what people think of my excitement about His return.

- Complete openness and vulnerability before the Father

Simple, Uncomplicated Faith

- Mark 10:15 - “receive the kingdom of God like a child.” Children don’t analyze or complicate simple truths - they believe what their father tells them without doubt, and that’s where I’ve landed in these final days.

- They believe what their father tells them without doubt

The Characteristics of Childlike Faith in Scripture

Eager Expectation and Excitement

The Simplicity of Trust

Luke 11:11-13 “Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

Key Truth: Children expect good things from their father without questioning his motives or ability to deliver.

Immediate Response to the Father’s Call

Matthew 4:20  “Immediately they left their nets and followed Him”

Matthew 4:22  “Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him”

Childlike Response: No hesitation, no complex analysis - immediate obedience and trust.

Complete Dependence and Rest

The Rest of Trust

Matthew 11:28-30  “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Childlike Truth: Children rest completely in their father’s strength, not their own.

Freedom from Anxiety

Matthew 6:25-26  “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?”

Childlike Faith: No worry about provision - Daddy will take care of everything.

Jesus’ Teachings on Those Who Love His Appearing

The Crown for Those Who Love His Appearing

2 Timothy 4:8 “in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Childlike Connection: Children eagerly anticipate their father’s return because they love him and trust his promises.

The Blessed Hope

Titus 2:13 “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus”

Childlike Anticipation: Active watching, expectant hope, joyful waiting.

Comfort in His Coming

1 Thessalonians 4:18 “Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

The Context (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17): “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.”

Childlike Comfort: Children find comfort in knowing Daddy is coming home.

The Importance of Childlike Belief in the Last Days

Why Childlike Faith is Essential for the Harpazo

Simplicity Overcomes Deception

Matthew 24:24 “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.”

Childlike Protection: Simple trust in the Father’s Word protects against complex deceptions.

Trust Overcomes Fear

Luke 21:28 “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Childlike Response: Excitement, not fear, when we see the signs of Daddy’s return.

Faith Overcomes Doubt

Mark 11:22-24 “And Jesus answered saying to them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be taken up and cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.’”

Childlike Faith: No double-mindedness - complete trust in what the Father has promised.

The Danger of Adult Skepticism

The Rich Young Ruler - Adult Complications

Mark 10:17-22 "The young man had great possessions and “went away grieved” because he couldn’t trust like a child.

Adult Problem: Attachment to worldly things prevents childlike abandonment to the Father.

Martha vs. Mary - Adult Distractions

Luke 10:38-42 Martha was “worried and bothered about so many things” while Mary chose “the good part.”

Childlike Focus: Single-minded attention to the Father, not distracted by adult worries.

Jesus’ Detailed Examples of Childlike Kingdom Faith

The Parable of the Prodigal Son - The Father’s Heart

Luke 15:20-24 “So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him… ‘for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.”

Childlike Truth: The Father is watching for our return, runs to meet us, celebrates our homecoming.

The Parable of the Wedding Feast - Childlike Readiness

Matthew 22:1-14 Those who came to the wedding feast came as they were, accepting the king’s invitation with childlike simplicity.

Contrast: Those who made excuses had adult complications preventing their attendance.

The Widow’s Mite - Childlike Giving

Mark 12:42-44  “A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, ‘Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.’”

Childlike Trust: Complete dependence on the Father’s provision, holding nothing back.

Letting Go of This World - The Childlike Release

The Principle of Detachment

Cannot Serve Two Masters

Matthew 6:24 - “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”

Childlike Simplicity: Complete allegiance to one Father.

The Rich Fool’s Adult Attachment

Luke 12:16-21 The rich man planned for years ahead but “that very night his soul was required of him.”

Childlike Wisdom: Live each day trusting the Father, not accumulating for self-security.

Seeking First the Kingdom

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Childlike Priority: Children naturally put their relationship with father first, knowing he’ll provide everything else.

The Cost of Discipleship

Luke 14:26  “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.”

Childlike Understanding: Complete loyalty to the heavenly Father supersedes all earthly relationships.

Luke 14:33 “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.”

Childlike Release: Children don’t cling to toys when father calls them to something better.

The Eternal Kingdom - Our Childlike Inheritance

Returning with Our King

The Millennium Kingdom

Revelation 20:4 “Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”

Childlike Inheritance: Children inherit their father’s kingdom and reign with him.

Coming with Glorified Bodies

1 Corinthians 15:51-53 “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.”

Childlike Transformation: The Father gives us bodies like His own Son’s glorious body.

The New Heavens and New Earth

The Final Home

Revelation 21:1-4 - “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.’”

Childlike Security: Forever safe in the Father’s house, never to be separated again.

God Dwelling with His Children Forever

Revelation 21:22-23 - “I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.”

Childlike Intimacy: Direct access to the Father’s presence forever, no barriers, no distance.

My Heart as a 64-Year-Old Child Waiting for Daddy

The Beautiful Parallel

Just as I and my siblings would run excitedly to greet our father coming home from work, I am called to maintain that same childlike excitement for my heavenly Father’s return. The anticipation, the joy, the complete trust that Daddy is coming home - this is the heart posture Jesus desires from His bride, and it’s exactly what I’m experiencing right now.

Why Childlike Faith is So Important for the Harpazo

Children Don’t Complicate Simple Promises

When a father tells his child “I’m coming home,” the child doesn’t analyze the traffic patterns, question the father’s ability to keep his word, or worry about the timing. The child simply believes and waits with excitement.

Children Trust Their Father’s Goodness Completely

Children don’t doubt their father’s motives or worry that he might deceive them. When Jesus promises to return for us, childlike faith receives that promise with complete trust in His goodness and faithfulness.

Children Live in Anticipation, Not Anxiety

Children don’t worry about what will happen when daddy comes home - they’re excited about it. They know daddy’s return means good things: hugs, love, provision, security, adventure.

Children Naturally Celebrate

When children see daddy’s car in the driveway, they don’t analyze or hesitate - they run with joy. This is how we should respond to the signs of Jesus’ return - with celebration, not fear.

The Mature Faith of a Childlike Heart

At 64, I understand that true spiritual maturity is returning to the simplicity of childlike faith. It’s not about being naive or irresponsible - it’s about having the wisdom to trust completely in the Father’s character, promises, and timing.

The world tells us to grow up, be sophisticated, be skeptical. But Jesus calls us to grow down - to become like children in our faith, trust, and expectation.

Running to Meet Our Father

As we stand on the threshold of the Harpazo, perhaps just days away, we’re called to have the heart of excited children waiting for Daddy to come home.

No complicated theology needed. No advanced degrees required. No religious performance necessary.

Just simple, childlike faith that believes:

- Daddy promised to come back - and He will.

- Daddy always keeps His word - every single time.

- Daddy loves us more than we can imagine.

- When Daddy comes home, it will be the most wonderful day of our lives.

- Everything we need is found in Him - nothing in this world matters when Daddy’s coming

So let’s be like children again. Let’s run to the driveway of expectation. Let’s jump up and down with excitement. Let’s compete for the first hug when Jesus appears in the clouds.

The Father is coming home for His children.

Are you ready to run into His arms?

“Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” Mark 10:15