A Stern Warning Against the Abuse and Exploitation of Children

A Stern Warning Against the Abuse and Exploitation of Children

“You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.”
Leviticus 18:21 (ESV)

Moses was preparing the Israelites to enter the land of Canaan, and God gave them stern warnings not to adopt the detestable practices of the nations around them. Among these was the horrific practice of sacrificing children to Molech.

The principle remains deeply relevant today: God condemns the exploitation, abuse and sacrifice of children.

Children are precious in God's sight. They must never be treated as commodities, used to satisfy the desires of adults, or subjected to forced marriage, sexual exploitation or slavery.

Wherever forced marriage or the sexual exploitation of children occurs—including cases that take place within particular cultural or religious communities such as Islam—we must have the courage to speak the truth and protect the vulnerable. No culture, tradition or religious justification can make the abuse of a child acceptable.

Jesus demonstrated God's heart for children:

“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 19:14

God takes the abuse of children seriously. His warning in Leviticus reminds us that we must not become desensitised to practices that destroy innocent lives. Those who do it come under a curse. They are cut off from God's favour.

We must stand for the protection of children, justice for victims, and righteousness in our society.

May the Church be a voice for the voiceless, a defender of the vulnerable, and a people who will not remain silent when children are being harmed.

I am that voice!

God says:

“I am the Lord.” — Leviticus 18:21

Sharon