After the death of my husband and first born son in an aeroplane crash, I had to raise my other four children by myself. God’s special love for children encouraged me tremendously.
Just picture that in your mind’s eye: a person about to jump into the sea, a great millstone around the neck... where does this image come from?
Few places in the Bible have a better description of God’s profound love for children than Matthew 18. After calling a little child to them and placing him in their midst, Jesus talks about the importance of children. Amongst the things He said, was this (verse 6): “... whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in and acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin (that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought), it would be better (more expedient and profitable or advantageous ) for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world for such temptations to sin and influences to do wrong! ” [Amplified Bible].
It also taught me not only as a mother but also as an educator about the care that should be taken in educating children. We were taught that for those hours that another person's child was placed in your care, you are "in loco parentis" : in the place of that child's parent.
What a privilege, but, on the other hand: what a responsibility...
Just picture that in your mind’s eye: a person about to jump into the sea, a great millstone around the neck... where does this image come from?
Few places in the Bible have a better description of God’s profound love for children than Matthew 18. After calling a little child to them and placing him in their midst, Jesus talks about the importance of children. Amongst the things He said, was this (verse 6): “... whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in and acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin (that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought), it would be better (more expedient and profitable or advantageous ) for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world for such temptations to sin and influences to do wrong! ” [Amplified Bible].
It also taught me not only as a mother but also as an educator about the care that should be taken in educating children. We were taught that for those hours that another person's child was placed in your care, you are "in loco parentis" : in the place of that child's parent.
What a privilege, but, on the other hand: what a responsibility...
Hetta, your passion and profound gift of love for children inspires. Thank you!!
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