THE DEATH OF A CHILD!

THE DEATH OF A CHILD!

2 Sam 12:18-23

18 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?

19 But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.

20 Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord , and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.

21 Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.

22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God  will be gracious to me, that the child may live?

23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

          There is little comfort for those who have lost a child; especially a tiny child! Endless questions flood the mind with few answers. We ask ourselves what we might have done to prevent the loss of an innocent life. How did I fail in health or safety? What measures did I neglect? We blame ourselves needlessly.

          David’s comment in verse 23 provides the best comfort for empty arms. The focus is not on where the dead child is but upon where David was going at the time of his death! David was a man after God’s own heart and that surely indicates his eternal destination. It was David who said: “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6). If David was certain that he would see his son again then we take great comfort from this verse!

          Washing oneself and changing clothes (verse 20) indicates a new beginning! David knew that prolonged grief was not the course he should take. He arose, washed himself and changed his clothes. It is the duty of the living to live and to leave imponderable questions to the wisdom of God.

Rock Of Ages

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

Dear Lord, comfort those parents with empty arms today. Fill them with hope and assurance. Help them to begin again. AMEN