by Warren Baldwin

Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." When he had placed his hands on them he went on from there.

Matthew 19:13-15

You have to wonder about religious leaders who don't have room or time for children. Who are they serving? What are they serving? What is their vision for the future?

God has long been concerned about the needs of children. From Old Testament times he made it clear that children were to be cared for. Parents were to train their children in the ways of God (Deut. 6). The larger society was to see that the fatherless were taken care of. They were not to be caught up in an economic or social system where "only the strong survived" (Deut. 24:17).

Years later the prophets reminded the people of their responsibility to children. Isaiah reminds his listeners to "defend the cause of the fatherless" (Isaiah 1:17). Micah delivers a scalding judgment against those who prevent the orphan from inheriting his father's land (Micah 2:9).

This theme of caring for children is picked up in the New Testament. James defines true spirituality in terms we may not be comfortable with: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress" (Jas. 1:17).

The disciples of Jesus would not have argued with these verses. They probably would have thought of them more in line with providing for their physical needs, and that would be true. But these verses go beyond that, especially a number of passages in Deuteronomy.

God was concerned with the physical needs of children. But he was also concerned with their spiritual needs. He wanted them to be reared thinking about God, about his blessing in their lives, about his provision. Being well-fed highlighted those lessons. But being trained in righteousness was the core of the curriculum.

Christian people have debated for years on the best way to care for children who are orphaned or abandoned. Adoption? A Christian children's home? Which? I think God would say, "Yes." However we do it, let's just do it.

Taking care of children in need lies at the heart of who and what we are as followers of God.

There are a lot of children in need in our world today. Children who need food, who need clothing, who need adults who will take an interest in their lives. Adults who will take them to ball games, coach their teams, take them out for an ice cream. Adults who will pick them up and take them to Sunday School and other spiritual functions.

God calls all of us to a ministry to children. Please hear his call.