“Losing A Child”

Focal Reading:
2 Samuel 12:16-23

Praise the Lord Beloved.
I have just returned from viewing another baby lying in repose. I have attended so many children’s funerals lately. Far more than I would like. I have witness grief stricken parent(s) grandparent(s) and family members. First Lady Niecy and I both have lost children and as we were going through that grief it was very difficult to realize that there is a reason for every season in this life. There may be someone reading this that has lost a child and can relate to the grief.

So I have decided to write this article to try to help other parents, grandparents and family members, friends and co-workers get through the loss of a child.

Beloved, losing a child is something that no parent should ever have to face. But unfortunately, it could be a reality for someone you love or know. When attending a funeral for a baby, remember that emotions are heightened by the loss of someone so small and helpless. Beloved, being a family member, friend or co-worker you must be understanding and respect the wishes of the parents. These are your only roles as an attendee to the funeral.

Understandably, people who lose a child want assurance that their little one is safe in the arms of God. The Bible isn’t explicit about what happens to those who are too young to make a proclamation of faith.

However, the Lord’s mercy upon them becomes clear as we study His Word.

Over the years, people have created unbiblical explanations for what happens to little ones who die. There are those who argue that salvation is available to some but not to others, which is scripturally incorrect. John 3:16 (NLT) says: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” And 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT) says: “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”

And there is another more complicated theory that says God uses His foreknowledge to determine whether a child who dies will enter heaven or hell. In other words Beloved, this idea is declaring is that God rescues those who He knows would have grown up and been saved, but He rejects the rest.

Beloved, that is a terrible outlook because it would place uncertainty in the minds of family members that’s left behind. Let me tell you right here right now,
“GOD DOESN’T KEEP PEOPLE GUESSING!!!”

What His Word teaches is that during the early years of life, a child does not know how to choose good from evil. In fact, Deuteronomy 1:39 (NLT) says: “I will give the land to your little ones—your innocent children. You were afraid they would be captured, but they will be the ones who occupy it.” And Isaiah 7:16 (NKJV) says: “For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that you dread will be forsaken by both her kings.” So as you can see a child isn’t held responsible for his or her moral conduct. Accordingly, when a little one departs from life, the Lord is waiting with open arms.

This is the only theology that makes biblical sense, given the Father’s character, desires, and plan.

Beloved, until a child is mature enough to decide about whether to serve the Lord, he or she is safe from divine judgment. Our just and loving God does not punish children for being too young to grasp their need of a Savior. So, believers will join their departed little ones in heaven. 2 Samuel 12:23 (NLT) says: “But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me.”

So beloved, losing a child on earth does hurt. But it’s not the end!!!
They’re waiting with God.

God Bless you.