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When a Child Dies
''...I shall go to him...'' 2 Samuel 12:23
The first child David had with Bathsheba lived only a week, then died. Heartbroken, with his thoughts towards heaven, David said, '...I shall go to him...'
When a child dies, numerous questions arise. For example, first, will I see them in heaven? Yes, David's story confirms it. Picture a shepherd leading his flock to greener pastures. The journey requires crossing a river. The sheep stare at it, paralysed with fear. So the shepherd picks up a lamb, carries it over and sets it on the other side.
At first its parents are upset, but eventually they overcome their fear and become willing to follow the shepherd through the waters to a glorious reunion on the other side.
Think: when what you value most is in the next world, the appeal of this one diminishes with each passing day.
Second, we may ask, will I know them in heaven? Yes, on the Mount of Transfiguration the disciples knew Moses and Elijah even though they'd died centuries before. Would we know less in heaven than we know on earth? Paul writes, '...Then I shall know just as I also am known.' (1 Corinthians 13:12
NKJV). Third, will they grow up in heaven? At 33, in the prime of His life, Jesus died, rose again and went back to heaven. And John the apostle says that when we see Him, '...we shall be like Him...' (1 John 3:2).
Finally, we may ask, what will they do in heaven? The Bible says that in heaven, '...his servants shall serve him.' (Revelation 22:3). Have you ever said to yourself, 'I wish I could do better'? In heaven, you will. You'll be at your best - forever.
written by Bob Gass
''...I shall go to him...'' 2 Samuel 12:23
The first child David had with Bathsheba lived only a week, then died. Heartbroken, with his thoughts towards heaven, David said, '...I shall go to him...'
When a child dies, numerous questions arise. For example, first, will I see them in heaven? Yes, David's story confirms it. Picture a shepherd leading his flock to greener pastures. The journey requires crossing a river. The sheep stare at it, paralysed with fear. So the shepherd picks up a lamb, carries it over and sets it on the other side.
At first its parents are upset, but eventually they overcome their fear and become willing to follow the shepherd through the waters to a glorious reunion on the other side.
Think: when what you value most is in the next world, the appeal of this one diminishes with each passing day.
Second, we may ask, will I know them in heaven? Yes, on the Mount of Transfiguration the disciples knew Moses and Elijah even though they'd died centuries before. Would we know less in heaven than we know on earth? Paul writes, '...Then I shall know just as I also am known.' (1 Corinthians 13:12
NKJV). Third, will they grow up in heaven? At 33, in the prime of His life, Jesus died, rose again and went back to heaven. And John the apostle says that when we see Him, '...we shall be like Him...' (1 John 3:2).
Finally, we may ask, what will they do in heaven? The Bible says that in heaven, '...his servants shall serve him.' (Revelation 22:3). Have you ever said to yourself, 'I wish I could do better'? In heaven, you will. You'll be at your best - forever.
written by Bob Gass
