Protecting the Innocent

There are some challenges in Scripture for the believer to obey. One verse I came across while studying to preach a message for Sanctity of Life Sunday was a real burden to my heart. It was Proverbs 24:11-12. It says, “If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn, and those that are ready to be slain; if thou sayest, behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his works?”

In this passage, we find a great duty required of us. We are to deliver those who are innocent that are being taken away to death. We must do our part in protecting the innocent babies that are being aborted each year. We remember that we are created in the image of God. It is God who has given us life and God is the only one who has the right to take it away. In God’s Word, He commands us not to (murder) kill. Exodus 20:134 states, “Thou shalt not kill.” Genesis 9:6 says, “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”

There is a uniqueness of human life. Genesis 2:7 says, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.” Adam no longer was a clump of dirt (dust); he became a living being. This is what separates us from all other creation – we are created with a soul.

It is God’s desire that Christians restore the concept of the sanctity of human life. This word “sanctity” means the quality or state of being holy, very important or valuable. Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” It says in Psalm 139:14, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” The very moral foundation of our society has been crumbling for some time; we must get back to obeying God’s Word. If we refuse to deliver those innocent babies and ignore abortion, God’s judgment will come upon us.

“What can I do?”

1. Protect the innocent by supporting the ministries who are standing against abortion
   and sharing the gospel with these ladies. Proverbs 24:11-12 – “Deliver those who
   are being taken away to death. . .”
2. Pray for our country to turn back to God. II Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
3. Proclaim the Gospel. Isaiah 58:1 – “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sin.” Matthew 28:19 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Psalm 96:3 – “Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.”

Devotional submitted by:
Pastor Tom Loggans
Senior Pastor at Greendale Baptist Church