BELLA MARVEL BURKE

2 Samuel 12:16–23 NKJV

David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. So the elders of his house arose and went to him, to raise him up from the ground. But he would not, nor did he eat food with them. Then on the seventh day it came to pass that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead. For they said, “Indeed, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not heed our voice. How can we tell him that the child is dead? He may do some harm!” When David saw that his servants were whispering, David perceived that the child was dead. Therefore David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.” So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house; and when he requested, they set food before him, and he ate. Then his servants said to him, “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.” And he said, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ 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.”

I. You are not alone.

Here we see that David fully anticipated to see his child again in heaven. The same God that comforted David will not forsake you in your time of need.

Matthew 18:1–6 NKJV

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

II. BELLA has great value.

What we are witnessing today is hard to place words upon.

For much of the world, a baby has no value. They are discarded as if they are nothing. Yet, Andrew and Chase desired to love and raise this child for God’s glory.

Romans 8:28 tells us,

Romans 8:28 NKJV

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

III. BELLA is in Heaven, with God.

There are no words that can make since of this tragic loss. Yet, there is assurance in knowing that this is not good bye for eternity. Furthermore, there is comfort knowing that the death of BELLA is according to God’s design and that the suffering that is felt today will lead to eternal reward.

Matthew 19:13–14 NKJV

Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”