Tag: neglect
Children are precious to our Father!
Scripture reading for May 1st: Matthew 18, Psalm 86, Proverbs 24
Matthew 18: 10-14 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father Who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of My Father Who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”
Jesus made it clear to His disciples that children were precious to Him and His Father in heaven. Each child is made in God’s image and has a special place in God’s heart and kingdom. God has given each child at least one angel with access to God’s face. If a sheep is straying away from the shepherd and the safety of the flock, the shepherd goes after it. So too, are God’s shepherds to watch out for straying people who are young in the faith. Jesus emphasized that His Father’s will was that none of the little ones should perish. This teaching is like the honey from the honeycomb, sweet to the taste and like wisdom, nourishing to our souls. Take care of the children! Don’t neglect them! Don’t mistreat them!
Psalm 86:11-12 “Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your Truth; unite my heart to fear Your Name. I give thanks to You, O Lord, with my whole heart, and I will glorify Your Name forever.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this strong Word from Your heart concerning children and those young in faith. As one of Your shepherds and a father and grandfather, I have sought to watch over the children. Help me in my old age to continue to value children as a heritage from You and precious in Your sight. Forgive our nation for its neglect, abuse and misuse of children for selfishness and immorality.
Proverbs 24:13-14 “My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”