Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Children and Jesus

The last time I "blogged" it was on the subject of God's heart for orphans. I spoke of how much He cares for them and how He expects them to be taken care of. Recently I have been touched by reading the accounts of Jesus' interaction with children in the gospel of Mark. Jesus makes no specific reference to orphans but He does speak clearly about children in general. Mark 9:36-37 says, "Then He (Jesus) took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 'Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me, receives not me but Him who sent me'." Wow! This is saying that welcoming a child on Jesus' behalf is the same as welcoming God Himself! This idea had never really hit me before. Children are VERY IMPORTANT to Jesus! Then Mark 10:13-14+16 states, "Then they brought the little children to Him (Jesus) that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased(indignant)and said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God'. And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them and blessed them." Jesus was "hands on" with children and He blessed each one that came to Him! I get so excited when I read passages like this and I see God's love for children in action!

25 years ago Every Child Ministries came into existance for the purpose of receiving children in Jesus name. ECM started by opening Sunday Schools for children. The people in Africa used to hold church services but not allow the children to attend. Children would be "shewed" away due to lack of space, in order to make room for all of the adults. The people didn't understand the importance of children in God's kindgom. Jesus would not have allowed them to be left out! Since that time, ECM has been educating adults about the importance of teaching children and doing teacher training with them. Over 2,000 Sunday Schools have been started out of this effort reaching an estimated 200,000 children! Of course the whole purpose of ECM is to reach out to every child in need. They do this in many different ways using various avenues, from Sunday Schools to orphanages to rescuing child slaves and prostitutes to helping child soldiers to reaching out to street children and beggars, plus many others! I am thrilled to be a part of this ministry which places great value on children, just as Jesus does!

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