Eschatology and Our Little Ones- The Curse of Death

Jun 2

This was originally written by Jacob Toman for Eschatologymatters.org. He is a regular contributor on that website as well. You can read more articles from there Here.

The Curse of Death

My wife and I have always taught our children about death. This means, as Christian parents, we have also taught our children about the hope of the resurrection. It can be difficult to have conversations with little ones, and that’s a truism that has been proven time and time again as we raise our four living children. Conversations can sometimes be difficult because of the tragic, gut-wrenching, soul-disturbing reality of the curse of death.

Children And Grown-Ups

Life is experienced a bit differently for children. While many of us “grown-ups” daydream about vacations, love, and home improvements, kids are busy wondering why bees make “buzzing” sounds, the texture of water, and how many pieces of popcorn fit inside their shoes. While we “grown-ups” are daily occupied with taxes, laborious tasks, and future planning, kids are occupied with pooping on the potty (not in their pants), learning new stories, and questions like
“are we there yet?”

Discussing Death

When discussing death with our little ones, we teach them that death is a result of the sin of humans against God’s commands. We tell our children of the solution God has provided in Christ Jesus, who died as our substitute, taking on the punishment we deserved. We bring up how many times we die. One of our daughters has an almost creedal phrase “Believe in Jesus, and you die one time. Don’t believe in Jesus, and you die forever.”

Children And Funerals

Our kids have wept at funerals, yet wept with hope. Our kids have been in near death experiences, and they speak of the hope they have should today be the last day on this earth. Looking back, I’m thankful for the hope of the resurrection, and the wise, gracious command of God to instruct our children in his ways.

One of my sons had a pretty bad knock to the head during one soccer practice. His eschatology informed his complaints while the nurses in the ER assisted him: “It’d be nice if Jesus came back right now.” While there may be much to correct, and much to laugh about looking back on that comment and situation, there is also much to be encouraged by. My son knew that pain would end when Christ returns. He looked forward to his very real, very present problem, in the very real, very present future coming of the Lord.

Severe Food Allergy

One of my daughters has a severe food allergy where at any time she may need an EpiPen injection to stave off anaphylaxis. At an early age she knew how fragile life can be, and how true the words of

Ecclesiastes 2:16:
For the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered; the days have already come when both have been forgotten. Like the fool, the wise too must die!

Discuss Eschatology

For all the differences between “kids” and “grown-ups,” we are all children of the dust, and to dust we will return. What can mere dust do to prevail against the curse of death? Can a child who doesn’t know the difference between breakfast, lunch, and dinner, escape death? It can be difficult to discuss the last things (eschatology) with the next generation. Yet, if we do not discuss the last things with our children and grandchildren, what will they cling to each day? What will inform their daily decisions? What will shape their hope for the future?

What Hope Will We Teach Them?

If someone thinks of you as a “grown-up”, let me challenge you and encourage you to speak to someone you consider a “kid” as you have the opportunity of the hope you have in the resurrection at the return of the Lord Jesus. These little ones may be at our funerals, and we may be at theirs. What hope will we share as an example, and what hope will we teach them to hold?