CHILD

 

CHILD

The Value of Children in Israel

In ancient Israel, children were regarded as a tremendous blessing, yet they held the lowest status in society. Being a child meant being powerless, dependent, and subservient. Parents had a significant responsibility to teach and discipline their children, wielding nearly absolute authority over them. Despite this, children and even infants were believed to be capable of receiving wisdom from God, and their voices could praise Him.

Children were central to the biblical covenant. In the Garden of Eden, God promised that Eve's offspring would defeat the serpent that deceived her. Later, He made a covenant with Abraham, assuring him that Sarah would bear a child who would lead to countless descendants. The prophet Isaiah foretold of a child, or yeled, born of a virgin, who would sit on David's throne (Isaiah 9:6-7). This child would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. The New Testament confirms this promise, as Luke's Gospel narrates how Mary, betrothed to Joseph, gave birth to her child, or pais, in Bethlehem. The angel Gabriel announced that this child was destined for greatness.

Jesus emphasized the importance of children, teaching that humility and trust like that of little children are essential for entering the kingdom of God.

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Praying to the Child

I once had a close friend in graduate school named Fatemeh, an Iranian student. After graduation, she returned to Iran just as the revolution began, followed by the Iran-Iraq war. We lost touch until she visited her sister in Canada several years later.

Our discussions on religion had always been lively, but by the time we reconnected, the American media portrayed Iran as a nation dominated by Islamic fundamentalists. When I asked about the rise of fundamentalism, Fatemeh passionately replied, “Nobody in Iran has faith anymore. Everyone is disillusioned.” She explained that during the Iran-Iraq war, religious leaders had sent small children across minefields to clear paths for soldiers, promising them paradise for their sacrifice. This harrowing reality made her question how anyone could maintain faith after such atrocities.

Her story shocked me. I later learned there are an estimated one hundred million landmines buried in sixty-five countries worldwide. No one would dare suggest that we should solve this issue by sacrificing innocent lives.

How does this relate to the biblical promise of a child who would come to save His people? It illustrates how sin is like those hidden landmines—dangerous and waiting to harm us. From the very beginning, there were hints of a child destined to overcome evil. In Genesis, God cursed the serpent that deceived Eve, saying, “I will make your descendants and her descendant hostile toward each other. He will crush your head, and you will bruise his heel” (3:15). Christ was born to fulfill this promise, clearing a path for us so we can avoid being destroyed by sin's destructive power.

Jesus, thank you for obeying your Father's will, trusting Him, depending on Him, and glorifying Him through your life, death, and resurrection. Help me to be like a little child, following you with simple trust and faith.

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Promises Associated with the Name

“So Adonay himself will give you this sign: A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel [God Is With Us].” (Isaiah 7:14)

“A child will be born for us. A son will be given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. He will be named: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Sar Shalom.” (Isaiah 9:6)

“Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, a message that will fill everyone with joy. Today your Savior, Christ the Lord, was born in David’s city. This is how you will recognize him: You will find an infant wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)

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Reflection

The concept of childhood in the Bible highlights both vulnerability and strength. Children, while seen as powerless, are significant in God's plan. They embody trust and humility, qualities that Jesus calls us to embrace as we approach Him. The promise of the child Jesus reminds us of the hope and salvation that comes through His life. As we cultivate a childlike faith, we can experience the depth of His love and the fulfillment of His promises in our lives.