Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today the Supreme Court announced the striking down of Roe v. Wade. Though we have known this day was coming through recent leaks of the ruling, the impact of this will be felt upon our land again and again both today and in the days to come.
As followers of Jesus, I expect our Risen Lord will call upon us in many different ways as this impact spreads across the land. As His undershepherd, I’m compelled to point us to Him especially in moments like these and encourage us to double down again and again upon His precious word.
First, let it be said again: all humans are made in God’s image. No attribute (such as language, culture, skin color, capability, quality of life, or level of development) may ever be used as an excuse by other humans to murder. While the defenders of land and home must sometimes use lethal force in their vocation of defense, murder (the decision and subsequent action to end the life an innocent human being) is always against the will of God.
As followers of Jesus, we grapple with this tension not by musing about what we “feel” is right, but we look deeply for “natural” revelation (this is when we use tools like science) and we also look deeply for “special” revelation (this is when we use God’s Word).
Our scientific data is without dispute that a fertilized egg in the mother’s womb is a distinct human being. The only dispute that remains is whether this being is a person.
Therefore, let it be said again what was originally said by Greg Kokul and Scott Klusendorf:
If the unborn is not a person: then no justification for abortion is needed.
If the unborn is a person: then no justification for abortion is adequate.
It is at this point that our world demonstrates its extreme bankruptcy of thinking. Every day we are called to care about people who are oppressed. And indeed we should! And indeed we do! But the unborn is by far the single largest oppressed population in the history of the world. And it is not close.
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:13–16, ESV.
These poetic words from King David are brought to us by The Holy Spirit as he carried the broken, scandalized, and utterly sinful king and prophet to write. So even as Scripture informs us of when personhood begins, and what it entails, it also reminds us of the great calamity and darkness that exits in this world when God Himself enters into it to create us!
And so we know that today’s events impact all of us not merely on a political level, but they impact us on a personal level. All of us have been impacted by abortion. Some of us have had abortions. Others have advocated for abortion. Others have stood idly by while yet others have been condemning and vicious.
To all of us I present the words of Jesus:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever BELIEVES in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did NOT send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16–17, ESV.
If you remember the past and consider things you have done or left undone, just as I do, let us come to our Father in heaven, tell him, and then ask Him to cleanse us again. For He promised to do this and His purpose is not condemnation but to give us…life. And for that life to be a life that never ends.
His grace and mercy are infinite for they come from Him, and HE IS LOVE.
When then shall we do?
First, we must double down and triple down on our support of Pregnancy Crisis Clinics. Here in our area, both Options Pregnancy Clinic and Pregnancy Life Line exist to help people who are going through the very difficult challenges of unexpected pregnancies. The services they provide are VITAL to people in crisis for not only navigating the seemingly impossible decisions they face but also the very personal needs that often accompany these circumstances. Despite the vapid rhetoric of our time, we are NOT interested in ONLY the life of the unborn, but in that of both the mother and father and all who are affected in these difficult times. The tireless efforts of the workers and volunteers at these clinics are a critical part of the actions we participate in, not to be merely “pro-life” (a political term) but to be followers of Jesus (see John 13:34-35) in a holistic and life-giving way. All of this is because He IS the Way, the Truth and the Life (see John 14:6). These clinics, and others like them, are bastions of this very life-giving way!
Second, we must double down and triple down on prayer. Again, the vapid rhetoric of our time creates the false dichotomy of, “We need action, not prayer.” Prayer is the most powerful action we can take. And it is certainly true that we never limit our action to prayer (see above!) but we must never limit our prayers by only taking so-called actions! When we pray, our power is multiplied and our strength grows because as we talk with our Heavenly Father, our will is conformed to His, and the lies of the evil one and his dark realm are diminished. When we pray, the light shines in the darkness and we participate in that reality. When we pray, the actual sources of the circumstances which bring us even to this moment are addressed.
Lastly, we must double down and triple down on grace and mercy. Grace is receiving that which we do not deserve. Mercy is not receiving that which we do deserve. I’m certain by the time you read these words you will have also read or heard many other words that say quite different things. And if you haven’t, you will.
Some of these will come from people in your lives. When they come, let grace and mercy be the containers of all of your words which return. Jesus died for all of us. This is because he has for us grace and mercy. Jesus died for all of us. This is because we, not only we but also they, are all in this together. And He wants all of us (which includes they!) to receive grace and mercy.
No matter where you’re from. No matter what you’ve done. No matter what you think. No matter what you feel. Jesus loves you. And He died for you so that all would be forgiven. So that death would have no power over you. So that you would have…life. Forever life. And He offers this freely to everyone. This is the ultimate reality of the life-giving movement. Let each of us participate with the Lord of Life.
Pastor Mark Hunsaker
June 24, 2022