Jesus Treasured Children

‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, … .’

Mark 10: 14 NIV®

The little girl moved joyfully and gracefully to the music of praise. She was the only one in the aisle but that didn’t keep her from spinning and waving her arms and lifting her feet to the music. Her mother, a smile on her lips did not try to stop her. My heart lifted as I watched, and I longed to join her – but didn’t. I had long ago lost the unselfconscious expression of joy and wonder of my childhood. Even though we are meant to grow and mature and put childish ways behind us, we were not meant to lose the joy and wonder, especially in our relationship with God. When Jesus lived on earth, He welcomed little children and often referred to them in His teaching.

Alyson Kieda

Jesus told his disciples don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very centre of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you will never get in. Then gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.

Mark 10: 13–16 The Message Study Bible

During the months of social distancing and lockdown, families were forced to make adjustments because schools were closed.
Many parents worked from home and therefore were able to support children with their school work.
As a result of spending more time as a family, stronger bonds developed
as parents were genuinely concerned about their children’s well-being.
Although the new routines were difficult, many parents worked with their children and supported them positively.
They became more aware of the heavy responsibility which teachers carry, and expressed appreciation.

However, it was painful to read and hear of abuses committed on some children in the UK.
Abuse of babies escalated, more were treated for head injuries caused by abuse – referred to as the ’More Silent Epidemic’.

Babies are the most vulnerable people in our society and must always be treated with love and care.

Helen Westermain, Head of local campaigns NSPCC

More than sixty children were calling Child Line per day because of suicidal thoughts.
More than twenty-two thousand adults contacted NSPCC between April and June.
Their biggest concerns were parental behaviour, neglect, physical and emotional abuse of children.
This was an increase of 32% on the monthly average for the three months prior to lockdown.
In May alone, there were 8287 calls to Child Line, the highest number ever made in a single month on record.
A Christian charity reported that sexual abuse of children in families escalated during lockdown.
Also, there was an escalation in ‘online’ grooming.
The Truth Project is carrying out an enquiry into sexual abuse of children, which will be completed in 2021.
The Children’s Society is anticipating that there will be an increase in referrals of neglect, abuse and mental health cases
when schools reopen because it was difficult to have access to children who were suffering during lockdown.

Jesus cautioned abuse against children,

‘But if you give them a hard time, bullying or taking advantage of their simple trust, you’ll soon wish you hadn’t. You’d be better off dropped in the middle of a lake with a millstone around your neck. Doom to the world for giving these God-believing children a hard time! Hard times are inevitable, but you don’t have to make it worse – and it’s doomsday to you if you do.’

Matthew 18: 6–7 The Message Study Bible

Children’s education has been seriously affected.
Many schools provided ‘on-line’ programmes in order to help students keep up to date with their school work.
This helped the majority who had computers; eventually some other children were loaned computers.
It was particularly challenging in families with one computer, and four or five needing to get ‘on line’ daily.
Children suffered from not being able to meet their friends.
Some might have been deprived of proper meals at home; whereas schools provide school dinners.
Over several weeks, the staff at schools are hard at work
making the necessary logistical arrangements in compliance with government guidelines,
in order to ensure social distancing and sanitising when schools reopen in September.

Let us pray:
Father God we thank you for our children.
Please lift up those who are sad because of the loss of loved ones, their fears, and the uncertainty of life.
Please protect children, turn away those who would prey on them and abuse them.
We pray that the government will recognise the safety and well-being of children as a priority,
and provide proper funding to support the work of local councils.
Help children to know that they are created, valued and loved by you.
Father, please bless all children and adults in schools.
We pray that schools will continue to provide caring communities,
where pupils find fulfilment and success in academic, social, sporting and spiritual activities.
Please strengthen teachers who are educating children with special educational needs,
help them to do their best in often very challenging situations.
Loving God, help all who take care of children to lead by example and do the best for them.
Help us all to learn from children and make the most of those with whom we come into contact.

Amen

 God sends children to enlarge our hearts, and to make us unselfish and full of kindly sympathies and affections.

Mary Howitt

Glynne Gordon-Carter