Bless the Children

“Some parents brought their children to Jesus.”                      Mk 10:13 NLT

The Bible says, “He took the children into his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them” (v.16 NLT). Interestingly, Jesus had just taught on the subject of divorce. Does the Bible record it this way because broken homes produce broken children? Too often children get caught in the crossfire of angry parents. Sometimes we actually use them as weapons to hurt one another. It reminds us of the newscasts on the Gulf War, listing young men and women who are accidentally killed by their own military. We call it “friendly fire.” What’s “friendly” about bleeding to death in the hot sand of a strange country? What’s the point here? It’s this: Divorce should be our last resort, not our first option. We grow in grace by giving and forgiving, by dying to self-interest and putting our spouse first. The Bible says this kind of love “never fails” (1Co 13:8 NKJV). Jesus, who was dealing with grown-up problems, interrupts His busy schedule to bless children. He doesn’t counsel them, He just touches them because there’s power in a touch. Let’s salute all the wonderful folks who work with children, for it’s a high calling. And let’s not forget to touch little lives with a word of hope and a smile of encouragement. Indeed, it may be the only one some of them will get. Don’t hurt them, for they are the future. You are building a house that one day you will have to live in. What’s wrong with these disciples? Who told them they were too busy to love, bless, and care for children? Is God speaking to you through today’s devotion?

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