In the news lately we have heard about some cases of child abuse. The month of April is child abuse awareness month. One of the big stories being carried across the world is of those who were taken from the compound in El Dorado. Child protective services went in after receiving a complaint of sexual abuse. After arriving, the state found many children. Some children were pregnant themselves. At this point they have been removed from their homes and are placing them in foster care programs.

In Austin they are prosecuting a man who abused his children. The officers who found the children said it was the worst case of abuse that they had ever encountered. The children had lots of scars, had been beaten and were malnourished. It appears that he even bit the children. The children could not even walk.

Jesus is very concerned about children. In Matthew 18:1-6 we read, “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, 3 and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 “And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (NASB)

Since Jesus is so concerned about children, we must be also. Children need protection, love, guidance, and the proper kind of discipline. Today, say a prayer for the children of the world. Take the opportunity to see them as precious little ones. Consider them as they will one day mature and hopefully follow the One who created them. Show them, through your life, the love of Jesus. But never harm one of God’s most precious creatures.