Pastor’s Corner “The Kingdom Value of Life”

Earlier this year, on Sanctity of Life Sunday, we reflected on how the following Scriptures emphasize the value that our Father places on every life, along with the call to honor, care for, and protect every life:

·      Genesis 1:26-27 declares that every life is created in the image of God. The articulation of this truth is unique to Jews and Christians. No other religion or philosophy contains the remarkable, image-bearing-reality that is foundational to how we understand ourselves and every person—our eternal Creator has imbued each person with eternal value.

·      Psalm 82:1-4 issues a mandate that recurs throughout the Law, the Prophets, the teachings of Jesus, and the teaching of the apostles: “Rescue the week and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 82:4). Because our Father equally values each life, he commands his people to actively protect society’s vulnerable ones.

·      Jesus’s parable in Luke 14:12-14 calls for hospitality and care to be given to those living with disabilities and those struggling with poverty. The resources we have are to be generously shared with those whom—in others’ eyes—have little to offer. We are to care for each person with the care of Jesus, valuing them for who they are as they are.

·      Philippians 2:1-11 sings of how deeply Jesus, the eternal Son of God, values every life. He “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of man…becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross,” to rescue each person who believes in him (Philippians 2:8-11). His incarnation conveys the value of our humanity, and the offering of his own life conveys the beloved worth of every human life.

I remind you of these Spirit-inspired truths for two reasons. First, as we continue lamenting, repenting from, and confronting our nation’s verbal and physical violence of the past weeks, months, and years, the above Kingdom of God truths must ground and form our forward movement. As our Archbishop Steve Wood recently wrote:

As citizens of a different Kingdom (Philippians 3:20), our calling in these days is not to answer with bitterness or despair, but to reflect the eternal values of that Kingdom (Hebrews 12:28), embodying the hope and peace of the gospel to which we bear witness.

Second, Becky Sheetz, the CEO of our ministry partner Life First, is visiting our congregation this upcoming Sunday. After both services, Becky will elaborate on a proposed amendment (HJ1) to the Virginia Constitution that potentially threatens the protection of life in the womb, as well as the protection of women, adolescent girls, and pregnancy centers. Becky will unpack the language of the amendment, give Life First’s recommendations for how to respond, and answer any questions you may have.

Immanuel has an essential role in these difficult but not hopeless days: We offer to our communities, our nation, our world Refuge, Reconciliation, and Renewal in Jesus. When we gather to

worship this Sunday, the Spirit will continue empowering our family to love others as Jesus loves us.

Your Pastor in Christ,