The Plight of Children

According to the United Nations, “Children caught in war zones are increasingly being used as weapons of war—recruited to fight, forced to act as suicide bombers, and used as human shields” (The Guardian, December 27, 2017). According to UNICEF, “parties to conflicts were blatantly disregarding international humanitarian law and children were routinely coming under attack. Rape, forced marriage, abduction and enslavement had become standard tactics in conflicts across Iraq, Syria and Yemen, as well as in Nigeria, South Sudan and Myanmar.”

Children have always been vulnerable, but in societies completely lacking God’s laws (that outline the proper treatment and protection of children), children are at far greater risk of exploitation and abuse. Bible prophecies warn that “in the last days perilous times will come” due to the callousness and brutality of human beings (2 Timothy 3:1-4). These are the results of failing to understand how children are viewed by God, who declares, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD” (Psalm 127:3), and who tells fathers, “do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). However there is a better time coming—a time of peace and a time of safety, even for children!

God says about the future, “For I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will save your children” (Isaiah 49:25). When Jesus Christ rules in the Kingdom of God, “All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children” (Isaiah 54:13). God loves children and created them to help fulfill His plan for humanity (Matthew 19:14; Malachi 4:6)! For more insights into the future of humanity—and our children—be sure to read or listen to Your Ultimate Destiny.