THE NURSERY“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”—Matthew 19:14
It’s hard to walk among cemetery grave markers for babies and small children. Parents dream big with each pregnancy and birth. When a little life is cut short, we have many questions. Why did this little one have to die? Why is the pain so deep? Will I recognize them in heaven? Some people wonder if babies and children become little angels in heaven, something like the chunky, rose-cheeked “cherubs” on Valentine’s Day cards. But that’s not a teaching of the Bible. Yes, God created angels, but for special sacred jobs in heaven. Babies are not pre-angels.
But God does use little ones to draw us to greater awe of His creative power. You’ve probably watched a little hand curl around your finger, and marveled how this life started mere months earlier as an egg and sperm. Children teach us about our weaknesses and need for God’s help as we struggle to care for them and train them.
Make no mistake: God loves children in a very special way. We see that in how Jesus reacted with children. One of the most poignant scenes of His earthly ministry involved the common people bringing their children to Him for blessing. Jesus’ disciples tried to stop the crush of parents, but Jesus urged them not to interfere. “Let the little children come to me,” He said. Stop and think about that. He wanted them to come! These weren’t influential people or religious leaders—just children. Yet about them, He added, “Do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matt. 9:14). Envision Jesus nuzzling a newborn and touching its cheek to encourage a smile. Stroking the downy head of an older baby, transfixed by His eyes. Hugging a toddler to His chest as He spoke quietly of His Father’s love. Scooping older siblings to His side, maybe laughing with them.
Earlier, His disciples had asked who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. No doubt they hoped to know who was His favorite follower. Instead, he called a little child out of the crowd. “Unless you change and become like little children,” He said, “you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3). After commending child-like faith, He revealed something else: “For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” (Matt. 18:11). Children are so special to God that they have assigned angels!
This side of heaven, we’ll never understand fully why children die. Some people worry that babies and children, who never got a chance to understand truths of salvation, will be left out of heaven. But the Bible says God is merciful and knows those who are His (2 Tim. 1:19). The Judge of all the earth will do right (Gen. 18:25). Like a shepherd who went to great pains to find his lost sheep, Jesus said God the Father “is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.” (Matt. 18:14). So, expect to see the children, including those who died before birth. Will they “grow up” in heaven? The Bible is silent on that, but we’re assured that in heaven we’ll recognize one another.
Ely Swanson, a mechanic and inventor, believed that. His son Norm says his father often told this story as an encouragement about heaven. The second of seven children, Ely was in his seventies when his sister Lillian, a retired missionary, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. A few weeks before she died, Ely had a vivid dream. In recounting the dream to family members, Ely said he couldn’t find words to describe what he saw, and thought it must have been heaven. Some sort of being guided him around this place where he saw four family members, all appearing to be in their early twenties. These included his godly father and mother, plus his brother Philip. Philip had rejected his Christian upbringing from an early age and lived a difficult life, but became a Christian at a Billy Graham crusade shortly before his death. Ely also thought he saw his sister Lillian, but because Lillian had not yet died, he was confused and asked why she was here. The guide in his dream responded, “That is not Lillian. It’s Marie.” Ely had forgotten his parents had a baby girl, Marie, who lived only four hours.
A life too short for heaven? Not at all. The song is right. Jesus loves the little children….they are precious in His sight.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the assurance that Heaven will include the little ones who died so young. Amen.
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