Dear Fellow Children of God,
I can think of at least 3 times in recent years that I
have been called to the hospital for the death of a child. The recent situations I am remembering are
from my volunteer service as chaplain at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. But, I can also remember quite a number of
situation s in which children of various ages who are members or friends of
congregations where I have been pastor have been called home.
I know of no more devastating tragedy. In many ways children hold the hope we have
for the future. We know the struggles and
failures in our own lives. But children
have their whole lives in front of them.
Christians believe that every life is sacred and, with that future, we
see in the life of a child the presence and the help and strength and love of God. So, in many ways children are a source of joy
and hope. The death of a child is an
unspeakably devastating loss.
With that recent personal history I want to share with
you reason for thanks and praise to our loving Lord. Many of you know that our 6th
grandchild was scheduled to be born by C-section this past Monday, June 17. But, even though God calls us to not worry, I
confess to having been worried concerning this birth. We have 4 children of our own, and this was
to be our 6th grandchild. But
Kathy and I have never experienced a pregnancy with so many warnings and
cautions from the doctors. There were
times during this pregnancy the doctors did not expect the baby to
survive. There were times in this
pregnancy the doctors seriously wondered if the child would be healthy. So, it was with prayer to God and hope and
trust in his goodness that we gathered in the hospital waiting room at 7:00
a.m. on Monday morning.
At 8:13 a.m. (it’s on my phone) we started getting texts
from our son. The baby was born. Then we got pictures. What a beautiful baby! (Sometimes
technology is an amazing gift.) Then about 8:30 a.m. our son came out of the
delivery room and told us everyone was well and healthy. Having been worried, I wanted to see for
myself. So I waited my turn and brought
my camera in to see our newest grandchild.
Annabelle Marie is a beautiful healthy baby. I counted 10 fingers. She has a full head of dark hair. What a moment of relief and joy! Praise the Lord for His answer to prayer!
I confess to feeling a little guilty, or selfish, or
privileged. Throughout my life I have
prayed for many people. Many times God
has answered those prayers in ways I had hoped, even in ways the doctors don’t
understand. But, I can also think of
many for whom I prayed in which God’s answer was different than my hope. I trust that God in His wisdom and love and
mercy always to work good for the eternal purposes of His people. But, why were our prayers answered in this way?
I think I know
how King David felt when He wrote Psalm 30.
David indicated that he had been ill to the point of facing death. But God healed David and saved him from the
grave. (Psalm 30:2-3). Therefore, Psalm 30 is full of praise and
thanks, especially the last 2 verses. “11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my
sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12
that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you
thanks forever.”
Actually, even in the cases of those children God allowed
to be called home He has love and mercy and salvation. God allowed His own Son to suffer and die,
and then rise, so when death does come those who are His by faith have eternal
life in heaven. Even when it seems God’s
answer is disappointing, He is still merciful and loving.
So, five days
later I sit here still with tears in my eyes again and I praise God with King
David. “11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed
me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing
to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.”
A Child of God, Living
in His Mercy and Love,
Pastor Jonathan
****
P.S. Annabelle
Marie was 7 lb., 12 oz., 20 ¼ inches long.
If you want to see some pictures of Annabelle you can look at this link. https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/5890718792318213185
P.P.S. However, I
am also attaching to this e-mail two of my new favorite pictures.
****
ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ - I am
sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and
friends whose e-mails I have. (I am always adding new names of friends
and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first
time.) However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me
know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if
you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me
their e-mail address.
****
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