May 27
2 Sam 12:1-31 | PS 119:65-80 | Prov 16:4-5 | John 16:1-33
Sadly, the other day a couple came to my office concerned about the lack of movement of their child in utero, only to find out that her 31 week baby had died. She was sent to the hospital and I then had to deliver the baby. When babies die this far along they must labor the child out but without the joy that comes at the conclusion of the experience. The patient was Hindu, so I asked if they were comfortable with my praying with them before the process began, which they were. After this we came up with a plan to maximize her comfort during the procedure. We had many long discussions throughout the process, much of which I am unable to answer: the why's and how come's. I explained that more often than not we never really find out why. After the lifeless baby was in her arms and there was no shortage of tears amongst us all, I asked if they would be okay if prayed with them once again. I prayed with surety that though they would not get to experience the joy of raising this child, this child was indeed experiencing the joy of heaven as we speak. One of the nurses who assisted asked about what I said, and I repeated to them the example of King David upon hearing that his first child with Bathsheeba had died, as we read in 2 Samuel 12:23, "But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” David knew where his child was. This child in utero that I tended to was before any age of personal accountability, could not make any choice for herself, and is now with the Master.
There are times that we don't understand why certain events transpire, such as the situation mentioned above. But there are other times when we mistakenly believe all is okay simply because externally everything looks okay. But, we must remember that we serve a God who indeed sees all. The sin that lurks in the deep recesses of our minds, those actions that most others are completely unaware of, are completely transparent before our All-seeing God. So, it was that King David still looked like business as usual before the masses. Others were completely unaware of the sins that were done in secret: his adulterous relations with Bathsheeba and the causing of the death of her husband, Uriah. But God sent his prophet, Nathan, and through a story let David know in no uncertain terms that God was completely aware of what He did and there would be earthly consequences for his actions. David pleads for forgiveness, and we see this put forth by David beautifully in Psalm 51, and David is indeed forgiven by God, but his actions would lead to unrest and turmoil within his household.
We must remember that when we embark on a relationship with the One True God that it is a living, breathing relationship. But, unlike all of our earthly relationships, He does indeed know everything, see everything, even down to our motives and intentions. We are truly laid bare before Him. So, yes, we are indeed sinners, one and all. We all dress up nicely, but God knows our tendencies and our struggles. But this is where we must remember that He has not left us all alone to struggle in this earthly sandbox by ourselves. We read these comforting verses in John 16:23-24, "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." There is nothing too large or too small. There can be spiritual requests and earthly requests. No inner sin is too great, no addiction is too far gone for Him to help us through. The answers might not necessarily be how we want it, but these requests are heard by our God who knows what is best for ourself and others. So, with this promise, go to Him and seek His care and His guidance.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: