From the conception

Hosea 9:11

As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth, and from the womb, and from the conception.

Here we have one of the worst judgements that could be inflicted upon a people—the destruction and bereavement of little children. God said that He would take away their children that they brought up because of their sin and rebellion against Him. He would take away their glory! What was their glory? It was the beloved fruit of the womb! Is there anything more beloved than the babe that comes from the womb? Is there anything more dear and precious than the little one that comes forth from the mother? Yet, because of their obstinance and hatred for the ways of God, He must remove this most wondrous and sublime blessing. Therefore, we must thank God for this blessing that He has given! For God is so merciful to give us this beloved fruit of the womb! God is gracious to bless mankind with babes and little children!

And here He explains the life of the little ones in three stages: the birth, the womb, and the conception. And He speaks of the glory that is attached to each of these phases. The birth! When the precious child comes forth for the first time! The womb! When the mother nourishes her baby in her womb and listens and cares and watches his growth. But the conception! My friends, this is just as glorious! And it is the beginning of life! When just a singular cell is formed, and begins to multiply and grow. From the moment of conception, the precious child is a life, and has intrinsic value, and is glorious in the sight of God. And could we ever imagine that there would be those walking about us who say life can be ended at any of these stages with impunity? What an abomination this is in the sight of God!

Beloved, let us pause and thank God for this beloved fruit of the womb—the wonder of the baby conceived in the womb, developed in the womb, and brought forth from the womb. This is one of the greatest wonders of creation. And the baby! The little one! How beautiful and how wonderful! Thank God for children! For the fruit of the womb is His reward. Thank Him for this gift today, and if God has given it to you, be exceedingly grateful. And may God help us to bring up our children to be lovers and followers of God, living lives worthy of the glory of God!

“Lord, how we praise you for all the wonderful blessings you give. But, this morning especially, we thank you for the gift of babies. Babies in the womb and out of the womb, whose life begins the moment they are conceived. How exquisitely and wondrously beautiful this phenomenon is! We worship you, the Maker and Giver of all. Bless our precious children in your name. For it is in the lovely name of our Savior Jesus that we pray, Amen.”