Today is Palm Sunday, the day Christians around the world commemorate Jesus triumphantly entering Jerusalem (Matthew 21). People welcomed him, waving branches, spreading their cloaks down in the road, shouting, “Praise to David’s Son. God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord. Praise be to God!”
The religious leaders in the temple became upset when they heard the children shouting praises. The little ones knew who He was. The Bible tells us that Jesus always had time for children. He loved them and they loved and trusted Him.
I remember in Sunday School, many years ago, children would be given small branches to illustrate this Scripture.
This morning, as I hear about the assaults on children, I wonder if we realize the true value of a child. Do we treasure their trusting natures, their innocence, the wonder with which they look at the world? Do we encourage them to be happy with themselves, recognizing that they are miracles made in God’s image? Do we allow them opportunities to grow and learn and be all that God meant for them to be? Do we teach them that they are unique in God’s creation, and help them understand they don’t have to try to be someone they are not, that they don’t have to conform to the world?
I have a hand-written note that a very dear little girl wrote in her Sunday School class many years ago, “God’s loving laws keep us safe.” That’s why He gave us His laws–because He loves us and wants us to be safe from the assaults of evil. There’s an old saying, “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.” Those of us who love children just as they are must protect our little ones, making sure they know they are fine just as God made them and they don’t have to try to be someone they are not. The value of a child cannot be measured.
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