1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1-4 NIV)

Last night I had the unfortunate opportunity to officiate a memorial service for a 15 week old baby that was delivered still-born.  This was a first experience of its kind for me, and I pray that it will be a last.  What do you say to a family that is grieving the loss of such an innocent little life that never got a chance to grow up to get to know mom and dad?  It was a tough service, but I believe that God ministered His grace and peace to hurting hearts.  Having gone through a miscarriage with my wife just about a year ago, I understand the pain that the couple is feeling.  It is not an easy thing to deal with.  We are lefting wondering "What happened?" and "Why did this happen?"  Unfortunately there are no easy answers, but here are a few things that I believe are true.

First, when David lost his baby boy to death he gave us some very powerful words that bring us hope that we will one day see our child again.  He said, "I will go to him, but he cannot come back to me" (2 Samuel 12:23).  David believed that he would one day see his son again even though it would not be in this lifetime.  I believe that the same is true for the Christian today.  It appears from David's words here that God ushers little children who have died into His presence where, one day, those who know Christ as Lord and Savior will be reunited with them.  While we grieve at the thought of never getting to love on our child again in this life, there is great comfort in knowing that they are being loved on by God in His eternal kingdom right now!

Second, the Bible tells us that God is going to work all things together for good for those people who love Him and called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  While it is no less easy to lose a child as a Chrisitan, we do have the comfort of knowing that nothing in this life takes God by surprise.  Although I do not believe that God orchaestrated the death of my child, that is just an unfortunate by-product of man's fall in the garden, I do believe that God allows trials and tribulations to come into our life in order to grow us in our character (James 1:2-4) and so that we may be able to minister to others down the road who are going through similar circumstances (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

Third, the Bible tells us that one day there is going to be no more sorrow and pain in this world.  In the New Heaven and New Earth all of those things will be but a distant memory.  The prophet Isaiah tells us that one day there will come a time when God will institute His Kingdom on this planet and at that point there will no longer be a case when a child lives only a few days (Isaiah 65:20).  Unfortunately that time is not yet, but it will soon come to pass in the not too distant future and we can praise God for that!