Today, Jan. 22 marks the 42nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, the U.S. Supreme Court decisions allowing a pre-born baby’s life to be taken for any reason before viability. (States still determine at which trimester—if at all—abortions are prohibited.)
This causes me to stop and consider the dullness of my own heart. Forty-two years of legalized abortion in America has led to 57 million abortions. This number is too large for my heart to grasp.
The following quote is painfully true (please consider the source): “One death is a tragedy; one million is a statistic.” —Joseph Stalin
On this solemn anniversary, let’s renew our determination not only to faithfully pray and steadily work for the ending of abortion—but also to keep our hearts tender toward the reality of these deaths, and as many wounded mothers and fathers.
That’s hard! The pain can be overwhelming at times. When I’m tempted to turn away from the reality of abortion, I’m reminded of the messianic prophesy of Isaiah 42:1-4:
“Here is My servant, whom I uphold,
My chosen one, in whom My soul delights.
I have put My Spirit upon him;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations.
He shall not cry out, nor lift up his voice,
nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
A bruised reed he shall not break,
and the smoking flax he shall not quench;
he shall bring forth justice faithfully.
He shall not be disheartened nor be discouraged,
until he has set justice in the earth;
and the coastlands shall wait for his law.”
Jesus is the one chosen by the Father and anointed to bring justice to the earth. Let’s turn our focus to Jesus right now and behold him. I am so encouraged by this picture of Christ. Jesus is the ultimate “Until Man.” He won’t give up until the Father’s will is established in the earth.
Can we be any different?
Our rebellion, anger and disobedience has not lead him to discouragement. His loving determination is unstoppable. I can’t seem to grasp that. How easily I get discouraged when things seem to not go the way I want them.
How tempting it is to just give up when justice is delayed, tragedy is prolonged, and there seems to be no end in sight for the pain. Praise be to Jesus that he forever lives to make intercession for us.
“Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and your hearts give up” (Hebrews 12:1-3)
I will be co-hosting a special event on the eve of the March for Life, called OneVoiceDC. It will be the first nondenominational prayer and worship service connected to the annual event. Join me along with Bound4LIFE, The Radiance Foundation and Online for Life as we fix our eyes on Jesus at this time and cry out for his justice to be established in the United States of America.
Let’s lay hold of Isaiah 42 for the 42nd Anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
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