Jeremiah 19
Related Sunday School Lesson Family Bible Series, January 16

Few issues in contemporary life evoke as much division as the debate concerning human life.

Because of the intensity of this debate, many have kept silent or taken the convenient stand that, "It is a personal choice." The character of a society is seen in how it treats its weakest members. Unfortunately, many in our country have voted not to protect human life, resulting in our society's moral decay.

The Bible is very clear that God created life as a sacred gift, and we must do all we can to protect it.

At conception when the sperm and egg are joined, everything exists that should one day result in the birth of a human baby. This rapidly growing one-celled life is no less human than the newborn baby who has yet to grow into an adult. Therefore life in the womb must be protected.

The elderly and the disabled have in them life - the very breath of God. Their existence continues at His will and for His purposes. Therefore they also must be treated with dignity and respect; their lives must be protected.

When it comes to protecting human life Christians must not be silent, fearing others' opinions or confused by the muddled ramblings of liberal pundits. As we examine this issue let us first be warned about God's impending judgment for those who shed the blood of the innocent.

 

Think About It ... How do we know that life is a sacred gift from God? (Read Genesis 2; Psalm 139; and John 3:16).

 

Be Warned About God's Judgment (Jeremiah 19:3-6)

"Behold I am about to bring a calamity upon this place ... because they have forsaken Me ... because they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent." (Jeremiah 19:3-4 NAS)

In Jeremiah's time innocent lives were being sacrificed to false gods. The prophet did not ignore this tragedy. In fact, he did just the opposite. Jeremiah confronted the killing of innocent life and proclaimed God's judgment.

Today the slaughtering of human lives by abortion is commonplace. Babies are being sacrificed on the altar of convenience, comfort, and choice. We must be like Jeremiah and proclaim the warning of God's judgment upon those who take the life of the innocent.

In the Florida courts we have watched in recent days as the question of when to stop supporting life for the injured, the ill, and the elderly is scrutinized. There is no doubt that such decisions are heart-wrenching for families and for the medical community. And yet of one thing we can be sure: To withhold sustenance, food and water from any human being at any time in life is nothing short of murder. For it is well-known that the human body will at some point, when death is unavoidable, reject the sustenance that is provided.

 

Think About It ... Is there ever a time when circumstances might dictate that the taking of human life would be the kinder, more caring action, and therefore be alright in the sight of God?

(Read Genesis 9:5-6; Exodus 20:13; Proverbs 6:16-17; and Matthew 5:17, 21-22).

 

Receive and Proclaim God's Forgiveness (Jeremiah 33:6-9; Romans 8:1)

"I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me." (Jeremiah 33:8 NAS)

"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1 NAS)

Jeremiah's message was not just one of judgment but also one of God's forgiveness. He wanted his hearers to know their sin, but he also wanted them to know of the forgiveness that comes through repentance. When sin is acknowledged before God, He creates a miraculous cleansing from sin! This is the message of hope that God gives to people.

It is the message we proclaim today! Whether we have sinned by remaining silent, or have encouraged another to take an innocent life, or have actually participated in taking a life, God's forgiveness is available to those who will repent.

When we turn from our sin and place our trust in Christ as God's only Son and the only way to a right relationship with God (John 14:6), we are cleansed and set free from all our sin! This is God's message of good news!

 

Think About It ... How can we know we are completely forgiven by God even though in our heart we may still feel "dirty?" (Read 1 John 1:9 and Psalm 51).

 

Work to Protect Human Life (Exodus 1:15-20)

"But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live." (Exodus 1:17 NAS) The king of Egypt ordered the killing of innocent babies. The midwives had several options, but they allowed their respect and reverence for God to guide them. Because they feared God they worked to protect human life. Their example is one for us to follow.

Today we must be involved in protecting human life. This participation can come on many different levels including involvement with church and pro-life organizations, legal and political causes, as well as the example we set in our day-to-day treatment of the vulnerable ones with whom we live or come into contact.

 

Think About It ... What are you doing to uphold the sanctity of human life in your home, church and community?

 

Just as the midwives' protection of human life stemmed from their understanding of God, so too must our's. The Bible is very clear that God created life as a sacred gift. Out of reverence for our Creator, we must do all we can to protect the sanctity of human life.

 

Biblical Truth ... God values human life and judges those who treat it casually or with contempt, but He will forgive and heal even the worst offenders if they repent of their sins.