Nougat 5

Did you know that child abuse has many faces? There’s the obvious – physical and sexual abuse – that feature in the news; but there’s also emotional abuse, which usually results in long term mental scarring. There’s also threats, both literal and implied, that also affects children; sometimes for the rest of their lives. While there are many organizations that address children’s well-being; we also have a sacred responsibility. Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Background to the nougat

Jesus was out and about one day and some very wise parents (also referred to as Mothers of Salem) decided to secure God’s blessings over their children’s lives. In an effort to protect their Master’s time and schedule perhaps; the disciples sought to run interference. They decided to turn the parents away (unfortunately this is still prevalent in many religious contexts even now). What they hadn’t anticipated was Jesus response. ’Don’t stop them.’

Application

It is evident from the nougat that we must have the innocence of children and their implicit faith in order to enter God’s Kingdom. But, even more importantly for me in the nougat is Jesus’ insistence that the children be allowed to enter in ‘adult’ spaces. ‘Don’t stop them’ is clear. Jesus DESIRED to bless the children; thus keeping them under God’s anointing and protective custody. Now, if what the parents sought was a blessing, which was NOT denied; then who are we to deny children their blessings even now?

And, if Jesus desired to have them under His protection and coverage then; it stands to reason that children ought to be placed under His protection now!

We have a clear mandate. We MUST make children our priority; even if they are not related to us in the natural. Believers can’t be uninvolved when children are suffering. We work with parents and also caregivers as preemptive action, and we put the requisite measures in place. We do due diligence when we are appraised of abuse; both for the well-being of our children and the adults.

Our children; including those living with disabilities, need us to take a stand. Jesus says Don’t stop them. Will we?

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May all we seek be found in Christ