Christian Education
Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 1 John 2:18
The Apostle John is speaking to all believers as he writes: “Little children.” A term of endearment, and actually a badge of honor to God’s glory bestowed on each one of us. A little later John writes: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1)
As a father and now a grandfather, I am very familiar with the needs of little children. Little children need more care and attention, more nurturing, and more protection and supervision than their older siblings. The LORD knows our sinful natures, and knows that each of us needs more spiritual care and attention, more nurturing in the Word, more protection and supervision by His angels whom He has given charge over us. So He warns His little children that it is now the last hour.
The last hour refers to the final time here on earth before our Savior’s second coming. It is a time of great spiritual challenges because of the many evil forces that are against our great God and Savior Jesus Christ and us His children. Forewarned is forearmed – especially for us little children. Jesus warns about them, but He also tells us not to be afraid of them, for He has overcome the world. His full payment for our sins on the cross has done this for us. We rejoice to know where to go to put on the full armor of God: the Word. We are also mindful of teaching these great truths to our little children.
In this, the last hour, let’s give priority to daily home devotions. As we prepare for the upcoming school year, let’s make use of Christian schools, where Jesus Christ is the center of every subject, and the Savior of every little child.
Dear Jesus, in this last hour, let Your steadfast love guard and protect us. Amen.