Day 21 millstone

Matthew 18;16

but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea.
(Also see Mark 9;2)

If you stop to think about this, its a pretty gruesome thing for Jesus to say.  It would be better to be drowned than to endure the wrath of God which will be unleashed on those who cause a believer (specifically a child) to fall/sin/backslide/abandon faith.  

We've recently, sadly, had yet another child abuse scandal come to light in the church.  For decades a so-called minister was sexually and violently abusing ' little ones' in his care, apparently with the full knowledge of many in authority over him.  Without a doubt that man will have caused many of his victims to walk away from faith, mistrust Jesus, despise God.  And really, who could blame them?  Jesus is perfectly clear that there is something worse than a horrible death waiting for those people and that it  will be as swift and certain as someone sinking without trace with a stone round their neck.

Another thing- its specifically a millstone. Millstones in the Bible are important. They are the main way of making the staple of everyones diet; bread.  They are valuable items. Nobody would throw a millstone into the sea.  It wouldnt make sense. But Jesus says this would be more likely to happen than that anyone will get away with offending against children.

When these terrible stories hit the headlines we are often put on the spot by people asking why God, if He exists at all, would let such things happen.  They point to the bad behaviour of people and conclude that God Himself doesnt care, is impotent to intervene, or  is actually evil.  But we can see from the strength of Jesus's words here that He very much does care.  He goes on to say that it is better to cut off a limb if it causes you to sin.  He isnt mincing His words. He understands that the fallen nature of man causes some to behave shockingly. But He indicates that there's always a way out. Even if it means denying ourselves in the most radical terms.  If you cant stop looking at pornography get your eyes removed. That will sort it.  Eeeeeeek.

We read these passages of scripture and 'spiritualise' them. But when Jesus spoke them He was surrounded by children, some of whom were undoubtably being mistreated by their adults.  He tells the adults standing around that God highly values each child and everyone who believes with childlike faith.  Again and again He illustrates the point - don't you dare discourage, abuse, lead astray these precious ones.  They have angels in heaven. They are beloved of the Father.  He will leave the 99 to find them if they do go astray. 

Im glad I have a God who loves children so much that He decided to become one.