"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13
This little one’s journey actually began 40 weeks ago at the moment of his conception. For 9 months God formed his little inward parts. During that time a battle for his life was building between the forces of darkness and evil and those of light and goodness. The battle reached its climax on November 29th when little Jesús drew his first breath. In this moment, angels were sent to minister to this little baby and protect him. For seven days this battle waged as our enemy the devil sought to destroy this life, but God was determined to save it as a testimony to His gospel and His glory.
“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 18:10
This battle has been going on since the beginning of time. Satan hates new life and has sought to destroy it at every chance. We see his efforts in Scripture with the decree of Pharaoh to kill all the newborn Jewish boys during Israel’s time in Egypt and again with the same decree given by Herod after the birth of Jesus. Throughout history we have documented evidence of superstitions regarding the destruction of twin babies in native tribes from Africa to Asia. The belief is that one of the twins is an evil spirit and since one can’t know for sure which one is evil, they are both killed. Finally, in what our enemy must see as one of his greatest accomplishments, we are witnesses today to the legal killing of unborn babies through abortion.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
Thus, this same well-documented historical battle for new life was waged over our little Jesús. His angels fought to protect him while he slept and traveled. They ministered to him while he was poked and prodded by nurses and doctors. A spiritual battle waged in the heavenlies until little Jesús passed through the doors of Grace Babies’ Home. There his angels met ours and he entered a place of refuge and protection.
Every day our staff prays together. In those times we call on the Lord to send us a legion of His angels to stand guard over this place and protect its inhabitants. I am sure that these prayers are answered and the peace that our little ones feel here comes from the presence of these heavenly protectors.
When Jesús arrived at our door he had not yet been given a name. I texted Martin Castro, our Mexican Director and asked what we should do about it. His reply was that we should give him a name. I mentioned this to our staff and to my family. Within about 15 minutes, six of us had all independently selected names. Four of us chose Jesús and two of us chose Emanuel. Thus, through us, the Lord gave this little gift a name: Jesús Emanuel. His name says it all; The Lord who saves is with us. Though only 12 days in length, his entire life is a testimony to that name.
