Monday, March 7, 2011

Spiritual pride and abortion

Why do some people take up the cause of abortion "rights" so passionately? What is the root cause of abortion? Psalm 94 pegs it on spiritual pride.

This psalm is a lament and a plea for justice on the part of people who are being oppressed by ungodly people. They're specifically identified in verse 2 as the proud, and verse 4 as those who "vaunt" themselves. They're further characterized by their speech in verse 7, saying, "The Lord does not see."

This is like saying, "There is no God" (Ps. 10:4, 14:1, 53:1) or "God is dead." It reflects the mindset that I can do whatever I want with impunity. It's a direct denial of Hebrews 4:13 - "There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."

This type of thinking inevitably leads to violations of the sanctity of human life. The psalmist links it to murder of the widow, foreigner, and orphan (verse 6), and to the shedding of innocent blood in verse 21. It's not too much of a stretch to link it to abortion.

Widows, foreigners (aliens or sojourners), and orphans are linked throughout scripture as being weak and vulnerable to abuse. In Deuteronomy 10:18, God is shown as being particularly concerned for this trio, and it's borne out in various commands such as found in Dt. 14:28-29 and 24:19-20. We who follow God must be like God in His concern and compassion for the weak and vulnerable.

Widows, foreigners, and orphans can die by overt action or neglect. In verses 20 and 21 of Psalm 94, the psalmist hints at governmental structures that "band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death." There's a "throne of destruction" that "devises mischief by decree." It's not just individual acts of violence or murder, but systemic and approved societal norms. Associations are formed -- such as the International Planned Parenthood Federation and the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Rights -- to institutionalize abortion. These are very real threats that we see occurring today as leaders pass and uphold laws establishing abortion-on-demand as the law of many lands around the globe.

What does Psalm 94 say to the righteous? How should the humble in heart respond?

Taking the attitude of the psalmist, we should first of all pray (vss. 1-7). Ask for justice; long for it, wait for it. (And, certainly, act upon it when you are able.)

Second, appeal to the wicked (vss. 8-11). Persuade them to pay attention. Despite what they think, God sees what they're doing and hears what they're saying.

Third, expect relief from God (12-16). There will come a day of reckoning; until that time, look to the word of God for correction and instruction.

Fourth, place your trust in God (17-23). He helps and sustains the weary and oppressed. He is our shelter. He doesn't compromise with evil, but is utterly trustworthy.

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