Between the Cradle and the Grave

A way of speaking

This is, indeed, an expression in which something is lacking as are other expressions which do not completely communicate the reality of the subject matter. It is probable that this as well as some worldly sayings are often taken taken upon the lips thoughtlessly. The world wishes to provide for itself a “cradle to the grave” protection against damage to assure themselves good health or, at least, to receive the best care possible. A welfare state promises to provide this to its citizens.

It is, however, completely correct that we must say more. When there is life in the womb, there should be bent knees and folded hands before God for the given and anticipated life. It is a moving and shuddering thought that the safest place for the beginning of life has been made into a murder pit by modern man.

In Isaiah 49, Israel utters the complaint that the Lord has forsaken and forgotten her. Very definitely, the faithful covenant God refutes this accusation by asking, “Can a mother forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?”(verse 15a). You would think this is not possible, yet it happens—a mother who wishes for her child to die. This form of hatred should make one shudder. There may be all kinds of reasons put forth to justify this, but that does not take away from the seriousness of life.

Our heart must well shudder when we look at the active abortion clinics which are busy as murder machines snatching the lives of 30,000 fetuses per year (in the Netherlands). We sing in Psalm 74 (Psalter 205), “For in the earth are dark abodes of crime and cruelty.” Is that not the terrible truth which should fill us with anxiety? Is it possible that the God of life can let this all go on unpunished? Are not the judgments (also today) just and right which come over our nations and peoples? May the Lord give humility and a powerful testimony against these terrible practices. May there also be prayer for those of our elected officials who speak up for the protection of unborn life along with all those who far and near join in protests against this sinful practice. Let it be heard loudly and clearly.

Once again, our questioner makes a very correct point. We are not only for the protection of human life, but we should also be greatly concerned about spiritual life. Even though we may not have a knowledge about God’s judgment over the unborn life…may the Lord give wrestling in the inner room when new life is expected. May something of this need be heard in public prayer, also in God’s house.

The time of grace

After all that has been said, we return to the expression “time of grace” for a moment. It must be noted that a wonder of God must take place in our lives—in a world where so many, like Nicodemus, are ignorant about this vital truth which the Lord commonly will work between the cradle and the grave. Jesus taught him, saying, “Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” In one of his letters, Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661), wrote of the one thing needful: “Your mission in this life is to acquire the assurance of an eternal glory for your soul to be united with Christ. Everything else is idle talk.”

If this earnestness is truly part of our life, it cannot be any different but that there are also wrestlings for the beginning of life in the womb. The Holy Scripture gives us the exceptional example of John in the womb of Elisabeth: “And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:” (Luke 1:41). The marginal note 50 teaches us that “this occurred because of a supernatural and exceptional action of the Holy Spirit.” We may beseech the Lord for that work of grace, also in our dark 21st century.

(Note: Rev. Hofman was traveling to the Netherlands. He hopes to resume Questions from Our Readers next month, D.V.)

Send your questions to Rev. H. Hofman, 2339 Deer Trail Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, or hofman@premieronline.net.

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