One of the greatest joys I have as a pastor is to see a new baby with its mother in the hospital. I often visit the hospital, and that can be a difficult task. Most people who are in the hospital are either sick or in pain. But the birth of a baby (while a painful process) is always a joyful moment.
Whenever I look at a new baby I am overwhelmed by the goodness of God. I stand in awe of His work in this world. And I am reminded that God is the author of all life, and that H has declared human life to be His greatest creation.
In the book of Genesis as He created, God looked at everything He made and said, “Behold it is good.” He repeated this phrase a number of times. But when He created the first man God said, “Behold it is very good.” Don’t miss that. God was marking the difference between human beings and the rest of life.
In Psalm 8 we read, “What is man that you are mindful of him…You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings…” That is simply one more reminder of the value of human beings.
I have two puppies. They are sisters from the same litter, and our family gets much joy from watching them play. When we walk them in our neighborhood we get “oohs and aahs” from people as they say, “They’re so cute!” And they are. We try to take good care of our dogs. We feed them, take them to the vet, provide a place to sleep and play, and spend time with them.”
But one thing I know for sure. My puppies (soon to become large dogs) are not humans. Were they to threaten a child in my neighborhood I would have a decision to make. My decision would be in favor of the child. The reason is simple. Human life matters more to God than any other life. And it should matter more to me.
Two implications arise from this biblical idea. One is that you are of great value to God. Never sell yourself short. Realize that you are special in God’s sight. In fact, you matter so much that Jesus gave His life for you. What great love!
Secondly, every person you encounter matters to God, too. Thus you should treat them with love and respect. Jesus said that the one thing we do that proves that we are His disciples is to love others. Do you make that a practice? Do you treat others as if they are valuable?
I am so glad that God chose to make us. I am so thankful that we matter to Him. What a blessing to know that God loves us so much!
Whenever I look at a new baby I am overwhelmed by the goodness of God. I stand in awe of His work in this world. And I am reminded that God is the author of all life, and that H has declared human life to be His greatest creation.
In the book of Genesis as He created, God looked at everything He made and said, “Behold it is good.” He repeated this phrase a number of times. But when He created the first man God said, “Behold it is very good.” Don’t miss that. God was marking the difference between human beings and the rest of life.
In Psalm 8 we read, “What is man that you are mindful of him…You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings…” That is simply one more reminder of the value of human beings.
I have two puppies. They are sisters from the same litter, and our family gets much joy from watching them play. When we walk them in our neighborhood we get “oohs and aahs” from people as they say, “They’re so cute!” And they are. We try to take good care of our dogs. We feed them, take them to the vet, provide a place to sleep and play, and spend time with them.”
But one thing I know for sure. My puppies (soon to become large dogs) are not humans. Were they to threaten a child in my neighborhood I would have a decision to make. My decision would be in favor of the child. The reason is simple. Human life matters more to God than any other life. And it should matter more to me.
Two implications arise from this biblical idea. One is that you are of great value to God. Never sell yourself short. Realize that you are special in God’s sight. In fact, you matter so much that Jesus gave His life for you. What great love!
Secondly, every person you encounter matters to God, too. Thus you should treat them with love and respect. Jesus said that the one thing we do that proves that we are His disciples is to love others. Do you make that a practice? Do you treat others as if they are valuable?
I am so glad that God chose to make us. I am so thankful that we matter to Him. What a blessing to know that God loves us so much!