I have been pondering this question often this week, even praying it fervently, as I was blessed to officiate a memorial service for a four month old on Friday. I don’t know what is more difficult to endure; not having children, miscarrying, abortion, giving up for adoption, or losing a little life so early. In all these possibilities, I find myself asking the question, “But why, Lord?’
Scripture indicates we are tested, refined like silver and gold, able to endure the refining of our faith according to the grace and mercy of God. But there are those situations which seem so unfair, so unjust. A baby does not deserve to die. Then again, neither did Jesus. He lived the perfect life, set before us the perfect example. The Good Shepherd, caring for his flock more than his own life, willingly sacrificed himself so that we might live. It was not fair. It was not just. And even Jesus lay prostrate in the garden asking the same question, “But why, Father?” Jesus confessed he did not want to go through with it, asked his Father to find some other way, but in the end, offered up his life in atonement for our sins, including the original sin, the rebellion against the command, “Do not eat of this tree, or you shall surely die.”
A baby does not have the cognitive faculties mature enough to choose between obedience and rebellion. As adults, we are afforded the choice to accept or to reject the truth of God’s plan, both for humankind and for our own lives. In acceptance of His truth, we submit to baptism as a participation in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.
I do not know why. I do not know how. But I do believe our loving Lord will care for this child’s soul and the many others not given the chance to choose. And when we ask, “But why, Lord? and God’s response is, “Because I love you!” What will we say then?
Grace & Peace, Charles