2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. (Mathew 18:1-5,10)
The promise is for you and your children- and for all those who are far off. (Acts 2:39)
Thoughts: The promises of God are not just for previous generations, and they are not just for old people. Rather they are from generation to generation. Circumcision in the Old Testament was a sign of the promise given to chidren who could not yet respond. It was a sign that God had chosen them before they could choose Him. Some may have grown up to reject the promises and faith offered, but the sign of the promise was always upon them. Baptism too is a sign of God's promise. Some may reject their baptism (whether the baptism was made at 3 months, 13 or 30), but their baptism will always be upon them. It is indelible. Believer's children are a gift. Those who discount the ability to teach and expose the child to the faith, are missing an important ingredient in faith development and conversion. God's Spirit uses the faith of those around us- placed there by God's providence, to lead us to Himself.
Jesus said that the children were the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. This may imply that there are children in heaven now. God does not ignore children (children are to be seen but not heard- would not fit with heaven). Rather God welcomes them and sets them on a pedastal.
Prayer: May I recognize the importance of children, and the importance of your promises to them.
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