Bathsheba's child fathered by David is struck with a deadly illness by God as punishment for David and Bathsheba's sin. While the child is still alive, David lays in the dirt fasting and praying for God to heal his child. But even though David's repentence and God's forgiveness was complete, the wages of sin must be paid. While all his servants watch David agonize with God, David never gives up hope that God may heal his child. And when the dreaded day arrives when David is informed that his child is indeed dead, David's reaction shocks those around him. David arises from the dirt, cleaned himself up, and went directly to the house of the Lord to worship! And then he went home and had a huge meal. Where was the mourning? Why did he seem at such peace?
David simply trusted in God and accepted God's judgment. And God gave him a peace that surpasseth all understanding! (Phil. 4:7) Wow! It's amazing how God's peace exhibited in our lives can be such that it would confound those around us!
Another interesting doctrinal verse I see here is verse 23. David says, "I will go to him, but he will not return to me." This is in response to the question of why he was acting so strangely peaceful. This verse seems to support the doctrinal belief that unborn babies and infants that die before they are accountable to discern between right and wrong go to Heaven. David makes this statement confident in the fact that he will "dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23) So, his statement does suggest that he will go to be with the child in the house of the Lord. Another view may suggest that David is simply referring to death here. But I believe the strong use of the verb "go to" suggests more than a poetic reference to death. And I know all the scriptures that refer to being sinful from birth. But I believe those scriptures refer to our sinful nature, not committing accountable sins as an infant when that infant does not know right from wrong. Adam and Eve were not held accountable until they knew what God expected of them. They were specifically commanded not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. They had to first understand what God commanded. That is a basic precept of Justice. Justice that is a basic characteristic of God. Would a just God send an aborted baby to hell? What possible sin could an unborn baby commit? Regardless, it's something to study further and see what other commentators say about this passage. And I suggest others do the same. Always know what you believe and be able to support it with scripture. (i.e. Jesus said unless you become like one of these (a child) you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven) Doctrine is vital to your walk with Christ. We will not always agree on some things. And that is ok. But at least have a stance.
Oh, one other thought. If you believe that babies go to hell simply because they were born into sin and are not saved. Answer this: Can a baby believe in Christ? Can they recognze their own sin and repent? Of course not! So, in effect, it's a race to the age when a child can understand their sinfullness and be saved! If they die before that time, they go to hell! That's almost a rediculous position doctrinally to take. God never operates like that in scripture.
Ok, that was a little off the main topic, but not really. Maybe David's peace also came in his confidence in God's justice and salvation for that child. But bottom line: God gives us peace that surpasses all understanding when we trust in His goodness, mercy, and justice. Trust God. He is righteous, just, holy, and good!
No comments:
Post a Comment