Our Children Have an Enemy

A nation is waking up this morning only to be reminded of the senseless and tragic events that unfolded yesterday at an elementary school in Connecticut. Twenty-eight lives were lost, and twenty were children.

Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy stood before the cameras and reporters yesterday and announced that “evil visited this community today.” He’s right. It’s not difficult to see evil’s handprint when a majority of the victims are innocent children.  

It’s a heartbreaking reminder that our children have an enemy. The Scriptures give this evil a face and name—satan. The Bible also provides clear reasoning for why satan fiercely opposes children.

First, God’s heart beats for children. “Let the children come to me”, said (and says) Jesus, “and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14) I’ve learned over the past several years as a pastor to children that they are the apple of His eye. God’s love for children is higher, deeper, longer, and wider than anything we can possibly comprehend.

As if that's not enough reason for evil to oppose children, below are a few more. Children display the glory of God.  They are “wonderfully and fearfully made.” (Psalm 139:14) In fact, as I look out my office window I can see the sunrise paint the mountains a beautiful shade of orange. Pikes Peak is looming large and embracing the gorgeous rays of sunlight. As beautiful as it is, the glory of Pikes Peak pales in comparison to the glory God has placed upon and in children. Look into their eyes and you’ll see the life and wonder of Christ. Listen carefully and you’ll hear His laughter coming through their lips. The same lips that have been ordained to bring God praise. (Psalm 8:2)

The second half of Psalm 8:2 is equally as compelling. It’s through the praise of children and infants that “the enemy is silenced.” God advances His Kingdom and purposes through children. The Scriptures expand upon this idea by correlating children to “arrows” in Psalm 127. Of course, that’s right after children are labeled a “heritage from the LORD.”

Children are a gift from God, so the thief steals. Children silence the enemy, so he tries to silence them first. Children display the glory and wonder of their Creator, so satan destroys.

Our response must be rooted in prayer. Let us pray for the safety and protection of our children. Let us pray for their God-given destinies to be fulfilled. Let us pray for the glory of God to shine even brighter through their lives. Let us pray that their child-like faith, trust, joy, and innocence will remain.

…And let us pray for the heartbroken families that suffered enormous loss yesterday.