We Cannot Bring Back the Dead

Note from today’s Bible reading: 2 Samuel 11-12; 1 Chronicles 20

Following David’s sin with Bathsheba, Nathan delivered a message from God that the child conceived in his act of adultery would die (2 Samuel 12:14). However, after the child was born, David prayed and fasted for a week, hoping that the Lord would allow the child to live.

After David received news of the child’s death, he “washed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he came into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he came to his own house…and he ate” (2 Samuel 12:20).

The servants thought this was unusual behavior, so they questioned the king about it. David replied, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, the Lord may be gracious to me, that the child may live,’ But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:22-23).

It is natural to mourn when a loved one passes away. And while David’s behavior may seem extreme, it reminds us of the reality that once someone passes away, there is no bringing them back. David knew he could go to him (once he died), but there was no bringing the child back in this life.

So remember that we cannot bring back the dead. It is often difficult to handle the finality of death. However, if we want to enjoy the presence of our loved ones for eternity, we need to live faithful to God throughout our lives and encourage them to do the same.