Peace With The Children

This day marked a momentous occasion: the first major review of all the sacred lessons drawn from the Old Testament, the Catechism, and the Divine Decalogue that have been delivered since the commencement of the children's service several months past. The sheer enthusiasm and bright-eyed diligence these dear children exhibit each and every week is a sight that inspires and humbles one's very soul.

The power of God's grace is never so astonishingly displayed as in the reconciliation of man! These children belong to a large and troubled clan of families who have long been divided by bitter conflict and who practically hold one another in contempt. Yet now, by the sweet, unifying force of the Gospel, their children enjoy true, unhindered fellowship with one another. This precious spiritual harmony is a marvelous thing that was utterly absent when we first took up this ministry three years ago.

We confess a prior failure of human wisdom: Initially, we considered receiving only those children above the age of nine years, reasoning fearfully that the younger ones might only distract and hinder the serious study of the elders. Yet, our gracious LORD, in the pages of His Holy Word, forbade us such counsel, declaring that we should in no wise hinder the little children from coming unto Him. Thus, we repented of our short-sighted planning, and now, we give fervent thanks even for the presence of our tender little ones.

God hath wonderfully blessed our obedience by touching their hearts with a profound sweetness of spirit: they are profoundly attentive, they love to participate, and they maintain a sobriety and behavior that shames many adults! We can only pray that the sovereign LORD would use these very little ones to minister within the coldness of their own dwelling places, and thereby bring lasting, saving peace to this entire community. The hearts of the adults may be hardened to our direct, foreign pleading, but they shall surely be compelled to listen to the voices and witness of their own beloved children!

Later that self-same afternoon, my daughters were granted a precious sight: They observed their young pupils playing with one another outside. Now, what is remarkable in the mere sight of children at play? Nothing, save for this profound and moving circumstance: that while their parents and elders are held fast in bitter enmity and strife, the children themselves are found in sweetest accord and harmony . This can be nothing less than the peace of God, descending upon the innocent souls and performing a work of reconciliation that gently overcomes the foolish wisdom of man!