Jesus delivered many people from demons. Sometimes He delivered children from demons (Mt 15:22, 28; Mk 9:17, 25ff). This raises the question: How can innocent children who could not have grievously sinned or been knowingly involved in the occult be possessed or troubled by demons?
Children suffer innocently for the sins of their parents and the world. This suffering seems to include even harassment from the evil one. Sin can cause a child to be troubled by a demon, but it might not necessarily be a result of the sins of the parents. Sins committed by any of us can result in the severest form of child abuse, exposing a child to demonic influence.
Why doesn't the Lord protect children from the effect of our sins? Why didn't He intervene and save the Holy Innocents martyred at Bethlehem? Why doesn't He spare the children victimized by abortion? The Lord allows us to accept the wages of our sins (Rm 6:23). He even lets us pass on a devastating inheritance to our children and to the children of the world (Ex 20:5). Our unrepented sins open the door for Satan to enter not only our lives, but also the lives of innocent children. Repent!
| PRAYER: | In the name of Jesus, Satan leave, never to return. Thank You Jesus for Your victory. |
| PROMISE: | "Observe what is right, do what is just; for My salvation is about to come, My justice, about to be revealed." –Is 56:1 |
| PRAISE: | Praise You, Jesus, "the Way, and the Truth, and the Life" (Jn 14:6). Praise You for caring so much about innocent children that You became a Child Yourself. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College