What about babies?

One of the most heart-wrenching questions that somebody asks about eternity is the question "What happens to babies that die before they have the chance to make a decision for Jesus?" It was a question that I asked back in my early marriage years when we lost two babies during pregnancy.

As we go through the passages related to David, one of the best narrative passages related to babies emerges. In 2 Samuel 12, immediately after the Bathsheba/Nathan episode, David's son by Bathsheba is born and immediately becomes sick. David pleaded with God for the child and fasted and spent nights prostrate in prayer. Seven days later, the baby died.

When David was told this, he did something very strange. He got up, washed, put on lotions and worshipped God. His befuddled servants asked him about this and David responded by saying this:

"While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 2 Sam 12:22-23

David models two great things in this. First, when the baby dies he worships God. He rests in the confidence of God's goodness and justice. He knows that God holds the keys to life and death and that He will do the right thing. God will judge everybody - even babies - justly. He knows everything about them, including what they WOULD have done if they HAD lived a full life. (mind-blowing, eh?) David's confidence in God through life and death is remarkable. He does not let the tragedy of life take him on a downward spiral away from God, but allows it to become an excuse to draw him closer to God.

Further, David knows that "I will go to him." There is a cool confidence that the baby's eternity is secure. So is David's. Therefore, he will go to be with the baby in heaven for eternity. Is this a clear doctrinal promise that every baby goes to heaven? No, that would be stretching the narrative too far. However, it does provide comfort for parents that we can rest in the goodness of God. We need not get trapped in a moment of pain forever.

God is merciful and good. David trusted that he would go to his baby on the other side of death. I trust that I will see my two kids on the other side of death. If you are struggling with the pain of a baby's death, I'd suggest that you take the same posture of trust that David had. Worship God and say "I will go to be with him."