I’ve been asked this question a few times over the years: “If you could point to one Bible verse to support your For Life position, what would it be?” Here it is: “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus” (Luke 1:31 ESV). (Actually, I would be satisfied with just the first half, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb …”)
Speck to Spectacle to Spectacular
Think of the value Jesus’ conception gives to all human life from that moment. The God who cannot be contained by the “highest heaven” (1 Kings 8:27) chose to become a speck in a fallopian tube! Before there could be a God-man hanging on a cross, there needed to be a God-baby lying in a manger. Before there could be a God-baby in a manger, there needed to be a God-embryo in a womb.
Our salvation depends upon it—as our beginning was not so holy. “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5 NIV). But the holy embryo, Jesus, took our place from the very beginning of life, giving value to the very beginning of life. There is more. Jesus needed to develop in a womb. He needed feet to walk among us. He needed hands to touch and heal the sick. He needed a mouth so He could teach. He needed a heart to be filled with compassion for the lost. He needed a body so He could take little children in His arms and hold them close and bless them.
There are even deeper reasons for Jesus’ human development in the womb. He needed those hands and feet to be pierced as He was nailed to the cross in our place. He needed a mouth to utter that forsaken cry so we never have to. He needed a heart to pump the blood that would be shed and bring cleansing for sin—and then be stilled in death. He needed a body to be buried in a tomb—and then to rise again victorious over death and the grave!
Before there could be the “spectacle” of the cross (Luke 23:48) and the “spectacular” of the resurrection (Matthew 28:6), there needed to be a “speck” in a womb and a baby in a manger. As you consider this during the Christmas season, rejoice in the value it gives you! Rejoice in the value it gives to all human life.
The Last Ask
This will be the last time I am privileged to ask you to support the work of Lutherans For Life as I will be “retiring” at the end of the year. It has always been easy to ask for your help. We have never used any “gimmicks” or “tricks.” We simply ask, and people like you have responded generously because you know the key to the value of human life. You know Him Who is that key. So, I ask as I have been doing for nearly twenty years: please make a special Christmas gift to Lutherans For Life. Your special financial gift will do more than inform people. Because all we do is based on the Word of God, you will help change hearts and save lives.
Selling Body Parts Is But a Symptom
Remember, there is a deeper tragedy going on out there than the selling of unborn babies’ body parts by Planned Parenthood. This is a symptom of the tragic devaluing of unborn life to a “product” that has been going on for decades. The need to uphold the God-made and God-redeemed value of human life is great. The more we help fellow Christians understand this God-given value, the more they will in turn influence our culture and someday put an end to barbarism based on lies but branded as good.
LFL’s Essence
Allow me to remind you one last time of the uniqueness of Lutherans For Life. We are not so much against what society is for. We are for what God is for! Ours has always been a positive, life-affirming ministry. We equip others to be:
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For the lives of the unborn, speaking for them and defending them. “My baby is alive today because of you.”
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For the lives of our children, teaching them their God-given value and how to value others. “After hearing you, we too will never take life for granted, but recognize it as a precious gift from God.” (from a Lutheran school teacher)
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For the lives of young people, encouraging them to make good decisions and base those decisions on their God-given value. “Holding those babies in high school helped me make good decisions in college.”
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For the lives of those facing crisis pregnancies, walking beside them and doing whatever necessary to help them. “I could never have made it without the help and kindness of those in the pregnancy resource center.”
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For the lives of those who deeply regret involvement in a past abortion to love them, give them a listening ear, and point them to the complete and objective forgiveness in Jesus. “I felt a freedom in my heart I have not had for years.”
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For the lives of individuals and families dealing with difficult health decisions, demonstrating true compassion by helping “carry” their burdens (Galatians 6:2). “Watching LFL’s DVD made a big difference in the way our family dealt with this cancer.”
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For the lives of the frail elderly and terminally ill, reminding them that as long as God gives life, He gives life meaning and purpose. “I now understand that I am Jesus to those who serve me.” (nursing home resident)
Those quotes I added were from real people I have met over the years. They have been repeated many, many times. When you support LFL, you help touch people’s lives and make a difference. Please continue to help us make a difference. Whatever you can give to help us equip others to champion this unique and positive For Life message will be appreciated. Your gift will enable us to be FOR all the lives mentioned above and more.
On behalf of the entire staff here at LFL, I wish you and your family a blessed Christmas and Christmas season. Remember, the value He gives to life through His conception and birth He also gives to you and yours!
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It’s old but true, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Did you know LFL has a photo gallery where you can actually see what supporting LFL does? Check it out here. You can find even more photos on our Facebook page.
You will enjoy hearing from my successor in the future, Pastor Michael Salemink. He comes with great energy and vision for the future of Lutherans For Life.