ODJ: memory before birth
You must not murder (v.13).
READ: Exodus 20:1-17
Got a good memory? Recent research conducted in the Netherlands and published in the medical journal Child Development reveals that babies can remember things quite well—even when they’re still in the womb! The sonogram-based study showed that at 30 weeks, babies in utero display short-term memory. By 34 weeks, they can store information and retrieve it up to a month later.
As scientists continue to study the early stages of human life, one fact shines brightly: Babies in the womb are living, growing persons. That’s why abortion is a big deal. In Exodus 20, when God gave Israel the words to help them follow His ways, He stated “you must not murder” (v.13). The wanton destruction of another human being is despised by God, for people are made in His image (Genesis 1:26-27, 9:6). Persons, even the tiniest ones, are precious image-bearers of Him.
The Hebrew word for murder used in verse 13 is found just 47 times in the Old Testament. Of the seven possible Hebrew words that mean “to kill,” it’s the one that speaks the strongest of premeditation and intentionality—words that describe the act of abortion.
God allows for the taking of life in certain instances such as killing an animal for food (9:2-3), the execution of murderers by the government (Genesis 9:6), the death of a burglar attempting to rob your home (Exodus 22:2), accidental killings (Deuteronomy 19:5), and certain types of war (Joel 3:9-10). Abortion is not acceptable to God, however, for it involves the killing of innocents—babies who are individual persons created in His image.
By God’s grace, those who have been involved in abortions can find forgiveness in Jesus. But today, regardless of the past, each of us should remember that even babies in the womb display memory. They are persons—made in the image of God. —Tom Felten
How has abortion affected society overall? How can we winsomely live out God’s view of protecting the life of innocent persons?
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Loading ...ODB: deal, or no deal
July 14, 2010
READ: Luke 15:11-24
I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants. —Luke 15:1
If you’re like me, you love a good deal. Not just bargain shopping, but when you manage to cut a great deal for yourself without giving anything up in return. So if you can identify with these kinds of deals, you’ll understand the prodigal son’s scheme when he decided to return home.
There were three kinds of servants in those days: day workers who were paid on a day-to-day basis; hired servants who worked long hours on the estate but lived in town with their independence intact; or bond servants who lived on the estate and gave all of themselves to serving the family.
When the prodigal son hit rock bottom, it’s interesting that his planned apology involved asking if he could be like a hired servant. Why not a grateful bond servant? Some commentators suggest that perhaps he was trying to negotiate a deal—a way to get a paycheck and keep his independence as well.
Often we approach God like, “I’ll serve You but You can’t take away my freedom.” It may seem like a good deal at the time, but God’s deal is so much better. Just like the boy’s father, His arms are ready and willing to receive repentant sinners as part of His family. There could be no better deal and no better way to serve Him! —Joe Stowell
True freedom is found in surrender to Christ.
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