Jesus took the children. . . and blessed them.

Mark 10:13-16 NLT  

13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. 

  14 When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16 Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.

As you and I live our daily lives seeking to do God's will by trusting in Christ alone, then we will find things happening to us that make us think more and more like Jesus thought. Jesus loved children. To the adults around him children may have been merely tolerated but not treasured, except by their own parents. But Jesus treasured each child. This passage describes just how much. He took up each child, praying for him or her according to God's will and placing a blessing on them. God blesses children, though there are so very many who suffer in this world. Their eternal lives are being watched over by the Lord and His angels- we know form scripture but for some, their daily existence is little short of a 'hell.' Many suffer abuse, deprivation, hunger, or just a loveless home. God would have it be better for them but does not usually interfere with the adults' free will who should be providing for and protecting those children. 

For sure our churches today should value children every bit as much as our Lord did. Children should not just be tolerated but must be treasured in our church activities and services. Instead of rolling your eyes and complaining or murmuring in your service next time a baby cries or a youngster fusses, look at him or her, smile, and pray a blessing on that child. Is it not what Jesus would do?
your servant in Christ's love

Dan

drdanelliott@gmail.com