December 6, 2004

THE LOVER OF CHILDREN

"When Jesus saw this, ... he said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these' " (Mark 10:14, NIV).

One of the most charming portraits of Jesus is that of "The Lover of Children." Children obviously occupied a tender spot in the heart of Jesus. He rebuked the disciples for their remonstrance to the little ones; He touched the children, embraced them, blessed them, and set them up as models for those who will receive the kingdom.

Jesus brought little children into the closest possible relationship to Himself. The affectionate gesture of taking the little ones into His arms of love was a vivid testimony to the warm personal interest Jesus felt for them. The very act of embracing the little children and blessing them brought joy and a feeling of true value to their mothers as well as to the children themselves. In an adult-dominated world, little children were often overlooked and regarded as of little value. To Jesus, children were of infinite value. His death on the cross included them. All human beings are precious in our Saviour's eyes.

In our present age of prevalent child abuse, Christ's appeal on behalf of little children is still relevant. His indignation toward those who neglect, abuse, or misuse children is no less intense today than when He publicly rebuked His disciples. His gracious appeal is still the same: "Let the little children come to me." Christ's concern for them should inspire parents, teachers, leaders, baby sitters, and all Christians to love and nurture children in the fear of the Lord. Yes, "Jesus loves little children... Those parents and teachers who have no love or patience with children are to be pitied, for they have not the mind of Christ."--Counsels on Sabbath School Work. p. 55.

My Prayer Today: Lord, may I not only love the little children as You do, but may I be trusting like them. Amen.