No Return

But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. 

II Samuel 12:23 

What did David understand about death, life, and Christ’s relation to them? The context of our text is that David had produced a child with another man’s wife. God had decided opinions about that and David’s subsequent behavior which had resulted in the husband’s death. By the mouth of God’s prophet Nathan, David had received the message that the child would die. David, knowing the mercy of God had fasted, wept, and prayed that God would spare the child. As soon as he perceived that the child had died, he arose, washed himself, changed his clothes, went to the house of God to worship, and then returned home to eat. His servants were confused and questioned his behavior, ‘What is this that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive, but when the child died, you arose and ate food.’ Our text is David’s response. It indicates that David was comforting himself with the prospect of seeing his son again. There are several thoughts here which we intend to explore over the next few days. To begin at the end, David’s remark about the child not returning indicates he had a realistic view of death. We will see that  this view of death was consistent with his view of eternal life and of Christ’s relation to them both. 

Our Holy and Wise God, 
we rejoice that You do all things well. 
We praise You that we may depend upon You 
to do what is best for us, 
and bring all things to a good end.  

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning