Tomorrow, January 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 at any point during her 40 weeks of development, for any reason.
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.
1 “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold,
My Elect One in whom My soul delights!
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.
2 He will not cry out, nor raise His voice,
Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.
3 A bruised reed He will not break,
And smoking flax He will not quench;
He will bring forth justice for truth.
4 He will not fail (to grow weak, to faint) nor be discouraged,
Till He has established justice in the earth;
And the coastlands shall wait for His law.” (NKJV)
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.
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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.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV)
I will be co-hosting a special event tonight, on the eve of the March for Life, called OneVoiceDC. It will be the first non-denominational 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.
Matt Lockett serves as Executive Director of Bound4LIFE and Justice House of Prayer DC. He and his wife Kim live in the Washington, DC area with their four children. This Bound4LIFE article has been reprinted with permission.