Daily Devotions
They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; they poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood. Psalms 106:37-38
Those words of Scripture are some of the most terrifying and sad verses of the Bible.
The idea that people could willingly murder their own children to win favor from their god is almost beyond comprehension.
Still, today I would like to suggest that today’s world has people who are willing to sacrifice their children for much less than a deity’s approval. For example, CNN has recently reported that some of the political separatists in the Pakistani province of Balochistan are guilty of such a heinous crime.
In that state people share they have arrested a dozen children, some as young as eight, who have been used by a political group to deliver terrorist bombs. These children, who come from incredibly poor families, are paid $25 to $50 to place those explosives where they will do the most damage.
Twenty-five dollars to fifty dollars is an amount which can make a big difference to a hungry family.
Apparently, there are two reasons for using these youngsters for such a despicable purpose:
1. The youngsters usually pass security without anyone challenging or searching them.
2. An untrained delivery boy or girl has little value and can be easily replaced.
The Canaanites sacrificed their children to further the prayers with a false god. These rebels are willing to sacrifice someone else’s children to further their political aims. Although you might disagree with me, I have to think the second purpose, if possible, is worse than the first.
In contrast and in opposition to these religions and terrorist causes stands Christianity.
In our faith we have a Savior who doesn’t demand the sacrifice of children. On the contrary we have a Redeemer who willingly sacrificed Himself for the present and eternal welfare of both men, women and children.
This He did because in Jesus’ kingdom of the redeemed there are no second-class citizens and no one — not even the youngest of us — is considered expendable.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the Canaanites used their children to get the attention of their gods. Today there are those who would use children to further their own personal, political agendas. May our greatest goal be sharing the Savior, His sacrifice and glorious resurrection with the little ones who have, for a short time, been entrusted to our care. May we do this in the Name of Him who picked up the little children in His arms and blessed them. Amen.