By Travis Lauterbach
Life is increasing thought of as disposable. Extreme violence makes the news every day. People treat the lives of others as if they’re worthless.
Our nation is strongly divided over the issue of life- both at the beginning and at the end.
What does God -the author and giver of life- think about life?
To see this, one needs to look no further than the life of Jesus.
John the Baptist leapt within his mother’s womb at the presence of his Savior within the womb of Mary (Luke 1:44).
When people brought infants to Jesus, the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:16)
When Simon Peter’s mother-in-law lay very, very ill, Jesus rebuked the fever and it left her.
Jesus healed and cared for people in all stages of life.
From womb to tomb, life is precious to God.
But then again, Jesus reveals as much in what might be His mission statement: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Jesus came that sinners may not die in their sins but have abundant life. He cares about life.
The preciousness of life to God was fully made known through Jesus’ own actions. He gave His up in self-sacrifice.
The Lord says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
God cares about the lives of those created in His image so much that He sent His Son to lay down His life to save that same creation from eternal death.
But Jesus didn’t come because He was forced. He did so willingly. “I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.” (John 10:18)
Jesus cares about the life of the world so much that He sacrificed Himself for it.
Travis Lauterbach is the pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church located in the Falcon Ridge Business Park in Mesquite, NV.
