Huntington Church of Christ

The process of birth never ceases to amaze me. Last Thursday evening Diana gave birth to our sixth son, and I assure you, he is the pride and joy of his daddy's heart. I find myself absorbed with the words of the Psalmist, "Lo children are a heritage of the Jehovah: And the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them..." (Psalms 127:3-5). In the midst of this great and marvelous event three lessons were immediately realized that I would like to share with you.

THERE IS A GOD. Although birth is not a miracle, it is a wondrous evidence to the existence and wisdom of God (Romans 1:20). The process of birth, from conception to delivery, did not "just happen" or "evolve". Such reasoning is silly and illogical. The process of birth was created by an Almighty and Powerful God. The book of Genesis states, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness...God created man in his own image." (Genesis 1:26,27) The Psalmist declared, "For thou didst form my inward parts: Thou didst cover me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks unto thee; For I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalms 139:13-16)

THE VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE. The Bible stands firm on the value and sanctity of life. Since we are created in God's image, and life is in the blood, we are not to shed the innocent blood of man. Yet, since 1973, the murder of innocent children has been lawful in our society. Be reminded, civil law is not the true test or standard of right or wrong, Christ's Word will judge us in the last day (John 12:48; Acts 5:29), not man's law. To look upon this new life causes me to grieve for the millions of children who had their lives taken away. Responsible men and women who continue to disregard the sanctity of life will pay severely in eternal damnation.

WE MUST BECOME AS LITTLE CHILDREN. As I gaze upon the face of the innocent child, I am impressed with the words of Jesus, the Christ. "Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3). Children are innocent, pure, humble, dependent and submissive. We must be like little children in character if we ever expect an eternal reward. This point is emphasized by our Lord in John 3, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God...Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (verse 3,5). This new birth is baptism in Christ. It is a burial in water that results in a new life (Romans 6:3-7). A life that is justified and free from sin -- like a newborn babe. Have you humbly submitted to your Father's commands? Peter also speaks of our strong desire for God's word in terms of a baby longing for his mother's milk (1 Peter 2:2). This speaks to our dependence and craving for the sweet and gracious words of God. Are you like the child in character?

Thank you, little Benjamin, for the wonderful lessons you taught your daddy! I love you.

Daniel S. Dow
Huntington Church of Christ