Names and places could be furnished, but they will be omitted because it is the concept that needs to be discussed. A couple lost their two-year-old child, which is, of course, tragic. Probably no one can imagine the tremendous amount of grief the parents experienced unless they had been through a similar situation. So, no fingers will be pointed at them, but why would anyone tell them that they should pray for their toddler to be resurrected? Even if the idea was their own, why wouldn’t someone tell them that events like those we marvel at in the Scriptures no longer occur and that they are only leaving themselves open for more heartache?
Yes, Jesus restored the life of Lazarus to him, but the purpose was to convince people of the power and Deity that Jesus possessed—not just because his sisters were heartbroken. Jesus and the apostles raised others from the dead as well because they had the power of God and used it in such a way that it authenticated their claims (Jesus to be the Son of God, and the apostles to be His spokesmen). Never did Jesus or His apostles teach that raising the dead could be expected to occur as long as the earth stands. Some apparently believe that what Jesus did was a model for us, but the Scriptures do not so teach.
The church the parents belong to teaches that miracles are possible today. Undoubtedly, they have heard testimonials from some who have assured them the dead can still be raised. Jesus did defeat the grave and is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25), but He will raise people up at the last day—not now. The parents actually felt confident that their little one would come back to life. How tragic! Finally, they had to face the reality that no resurrection was forthcoming. Did their believing in a false teaching make the circumstance even worse? “Hope deferred makes the heart sick…” (Pr. 13:12). One can only speculate on the results of hope denied.
David understood what the death of a child meant. He would not see his son alive again on this earth. David said: “But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Sam. 12:23). There were a few exceptions to this principle while Jesus and the apostles were alive (and previously with Elijah and Elisha); none have occurred since. Some wonder, “Does this mean that God has lost His power?” Hardly. He remains just as all-powerful as He always has. The miracles authenticated Jesus and His apostles. No one is being endorsed by God today. It has not been His will to do miracles since the first century. He will, however, demonstrate His power again when He comes from heaven with His holy angels in flaming fire to take vengeance on those who do not know Him and who have not obeyed the gospel. To see the departed child, the parents need to obey the gospel and remain faithful (1 Cor. 15:3-4; Rom. 6:3-5; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Heb 5:9).