Genesis 2:7
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God. But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7,8).
I am amazed that even the insignificant things about us He greatly values. There is nothing about us of which He is not fully cognizant. Things that we don’t even know about ourselves, He knows! What a glorious thought indeed! I get the impression that the supreme God who so fearfully and wonderfully made us, remains excited and excessively protective of us. He watches over us, “ . . . as a hen gathers her brood under her wings . . .” (Matthew 23:37). Just as the hen will shield its little chicks with its own body – offering itself to protect and preserve their lives, so does our Infinite/Personal Creator God. He unceasingly, providentially watches over
Therefore, my simple encouragement to the saints this week is do not let anybody fool you concerning your self-worth and your dignity. You are not just some mindless experiment of God. You are not disposable or expendable, but you are precious and immeasurably priceless. Your price is far above rubies (Proverbs 31:10). It must never be taken lightly that the creation of humankind in Genesis 1:26 is indeed the apex of God’s creative enterprise – His crowning achievement – the paragon of all He did during this Genesis account of the creation process.
The apostle Paul was careful to inform us “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). We are indeed His masterpiece – His greatest piece of work – His showpiece. It’s so comforting to know that we were meticulously created and designed by Him. We matter to Him. We may be tempted to think we are nothing, but in Him we are somebody, extra special, extraordinary – created in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26,27).
That’s why the church is pro-life and sees life as precious, priceless, and treasured. We are image-bearers of the divine. We see life through different lenses, as crowned with glory and honor (Psalms 8:5).That’s why we cannot condone the easy access to abortion, and we rightfully become angry when life is senselessly snuffed out as we repeatedly see and hear in the news daily.
In the divine registrar we are constantly reminded, “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matthew 10:30). He states, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you and before you were born I set you apart” (Jeremiah 1:5 NIV). It all bespeaks of the boundless providence of God towards humankind and a care unspeakable, that nothing of ours is hid from the Almighty. Each life is incalculably precious to Him! No wonder the Psalmist declared, “I will give thanks unto thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Wonderful are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Psalm 139:14).
You and I are not accidents. We are not just here taking up space. We really matter! I don’t care how many madmen take-up assault rifles and senselessly slaughter the innocent. We will never get used to it. Wrong could never be right! We will always protest! That’s why we passionately mourn every death. We protest because life remains precious. We were made to live and not die! The church is pro-life!
Leroy V. Greenaway
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region
May 6th, 2023
