Would I Had Died Instead of You

It seems that the grief of a parent over the death of their child is one of the greatest sufferings that can happen in this life. No matter what your status might be, no matter how wealthy you are, it does not seem right that your child should die before you do. I have heard a parent tell me in bitter anguish that “It should have been me who died and not my child.” This was the experience of King David when he heard that his son Absalom had been murdered in battle. In spite of his desire to protect his son, the young man’s pride proved his undoing. Absalom took great pride in his appearance. His hair symbolized his physical beauty. But in the end, it was being caught by his hair in the low-lying branches of an oak tree that led to his murder.

God knows the pain of a parent at the death of their child. For when Jesus was crucified, God died on the cross with him. That death brings us new life; from death springs up life for us. Thanks be to God!!

Loving God, through your suffering you have given us life and salvation. We are truly thankful for all you give us. Amen. — HF