Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Psalm 61:1-3 (ESV)
As I write this, a second 30-something person in Minneapolis has been shot and killed. I don’t know the details. . . and I am sure various groups will argue whether lethal force was appropriate.
What has been gnawing at me for some time is this question, What is the value of life?
Is value relative to one’s ethnicity? Political affiliation? Age? Citizenship? Gender? Socio-economic status? Education? Theological position? Strength/power? Ability to financially contribute to society?
Who or what gets to determine that value?
When did identifying as pro-life only have to do with supporting children not yet born?
How does God, in Whose image scripture says all humans are made, view those who claim to know Him, yet voice contempt for those different from them? Does He not also grieve?
We are living in a place of confusion, tension, fear. What is the value of life?
This question is especially relevant for those presently living in the U.S., but it is no less important for those who live in Canada or anywhere on this God-created sphere.
God says that He loves this (broken) world to the point that He sent His Only Son to die for it. When I recognize my need, turn from my way to God’s way, receive by faith the forgiveness of my sin, paid by His sinless Son on a fear and hate-filled cross, God says I am given life.
Abundant life. Eternal life. A life of infinite value, demonstrated by the Infinite One, Who became finite for us. For this world.
He then calls me, calls us, chosen, holy, blameless ones. But that value (to God) is while I was still a sinner and His enemy because of my sin.
Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love.
Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in yourhearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:12-15 (NLT)
O Lord, I call out to You for mercy. I grieve. I grieve for the lost, including we who claim to know You, but have accepted a value system which is not in keeping with Your word, with Your heart, with Your sacrifice. Forgive us for our prideful idolatry. Holy Spirit, form in us what You promise, the very image of the King. May we recognize the spiritual nature of this deception and demonstrate by our actions and words that all life is valuable to You. O King Jesus, in Whom is all God’s fullness, reconcile to Yourself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of Your cross.
Randy Jaspers
Northern Plains Regional Minister
