We are told that abortion concerns a woman’s right to choose. That abortion is an issue that is between a woman and her doctor. That abortion concerns the health of women. The idea that abortion involves men is alien to our cultural thinking. We have even codified into law this notion that abortion is solely a woman’s concern. If a father does not want his unborn baby killed, he has no legal recourse. Truly in America it is a woman’s right to choose. And legal abortion in America thrives on removing fathers from the picture. David knew the loss of children. Despite seeking God and fasting and prostrating himself all night before the Lord, David lost the child he conceived with Bathsheba. Years later, David lost another son, Absalom. Absalom caused David much grief. He usurped the throne from his father, and led the people into war as a result. He dishonored David by sleeping with his concubines, and even sought to kill him.
One might think that David would have been relieved to hear of the death of Absalom. Yet hear David, through tears: “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”
David knew the loss of children. An infant child, conceived in sin, yet greatly loved, and a wayward son, who had brought him great heartache and shame. He was pulling for them both, and he mourned for each.
Next week’s meditation deals with the bond between a mother and a child. This week’s lesson suggests that the bond between a father and a child is not nearly as insignificant as our culture assumes. The church must recognize and encourage that bond, for abortion will continue until fathers become fathers.