There is a political philosophy which advocates that the government should dominate every aspect of one’s life from the cradle to the grave. We lived for nearly ten years in New Zealand, and the view there was described by the words, “From the womb to the tomb.” Without getting into an evaluation of this philosophy, let me tell you of another program that surpasses these.
Think of how the Bible describes heaven’s concern for us which precedes our earliest existence. Paul spoke of this when he affirmed that God “…has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began” (2 Tim. 1:9). Paul also wrote to Titus about the “hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began” (Tit. 1:2). Before time began! That’s when His care for us started!
His care for us even precedes the time we were placed in our first cradle. Paul told the Galatians that God “separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace” (Gal. 1:15). And God told Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations” (Jer. 1:5). Some may see these as showing a unique relationship God had with His prophets, but it does show God knows individuals when they are in the womb.
David’s words leave little doubt about God’s concern for individuals before they are born. “For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb… My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth” (Ps. 139:13,15).
He also cares for us in infancy. “But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts” (Ps. 22:9). He has His angels who watch for every child on this earth (Matt. 18:10).
Space does not allow us to show His presence throughout all of our lives, but He is present! His eyes are over us (1 Peter 3:12) and He never leaves or forsakes us (Heb. 13:5). He is also with us in death (Ps. 23:4).
From womb to the tomb? His care is better than that! He cares for us before the womb and after the tomb! This is not just a philosophy. It is an eternal truth from heaven!