It was probably one of the more difficult sermons Jim, our senior pastor, has had to prepare and preach. Last week brought tragedy to a couple in our church as, at 6 months, an infection sent the wife into early delivery that resulted in their second baby and first son being stillborn. When Jim’s teenage son asked where baby Jonas was, it occurred to Jim that such a question would be on the minds of many others in the church, and so he deviated from our study of 1 Peter to wade through these very deep waters. The sermon is online as are Jim’s sermon notes.
The result is a helpful look at a subject that we wish never came up, but occasionally does as babies are miscarried, stillborn, aborted, etc. Jim’s treatment is thorough, well-researched, and biblically grounded. But, above all, it was very pastoral, a moment for a pastor to shepherd his flock through deep and troubling waters with great care and skill.
The conclusion is that baby Jonas is with Jesus, but not because he was innocent (he was not – the stain of sin was on him) and not because he deserved it (no one does), but because of God’s sovereign grace. This is not mere sentimentality, it is good biblical theology that brings great comfort in times like this. I commend it to you. Also, here’s a helpful article by Al Mohler and Danny Akin that reaches the same conclusion.
And pray for the Coopers – tomorrow they will bury Jonas. They are full of faith and grief.