Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 19, 2020
A Womb with a View
Psalms 139:13-18
What is a human life worth? Not much, apparently, if we consider the manner in which American culture treats its unborn and aged. Sadly, a mother’s womb has become a hazardous site in our country and the plight of the aged is riddled with accounts of neglect and abuse. More than twenty-five years ago, former Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, lamented this devaluation of human life when he said, “When I graduated from medical school the idea was, ‘How can I save this life?’, but for a great number of the medical students now it is, ‘Should I save this life?’”
The best resource to consult if we want to gain a true measure of the value of human life is its Author. The God of creation, who created us in His image, gives us several insights into His perspective in the pages of Scripture. One specific instance of this perspective is found in Psalm 139. Addressed to the Choirmaster, this psalm of David celebrates God’s intimate knowledge of us and His intricate fashioning of us as His unique handiwork. As the Author and Sustainer of human life, God values our existence. Because He values life, so should we.
I. With intimate intricacy He defines our individuality (13-14)
• inward parts, “kidneys”, depths of being
• a “from the womb” perspective
• the “Knitter” who weaves together
• He is awesomely wonderful! He made us!
II. With infinite insight He orchestrates our existence (15-16)
• hidden from humans but not from God
• embroidered with skill
• “…Your eyes saw my ‘embryo’”
• “…Your scroll recorded my days before days”
III. With absolute amazement ponder His providence (17-18)
• the value of His thoughts
• the vastness of His thoughts
• waking or sleeping…
IV. So what?
• Mourn the 60 million+ victims of abortion and pray for God’s mercy
• Relate to others, especially the pre-born and aged, as “precious in His sight”
• Live with a profound sensitivity to God’s presence and power
“Great God! from Thee there’s nought concealed, Thou seest my inward frame; To Thee I always stand revealed Exactly as I am!
Since I can hardly, therefore, bear What in myself I see; How vile and black must I appear, Most holy God to Thee!
But since my Saviour stands between, In garments dyed in blood, ‘Tis He, instead of me, is seen, When I approach to God.
Thus, though a sinner, I am safe; He pleads, before the throne, His life and death on my behalf, And calls my sin His own.
What wondrous love, what mysteries, In this appointment shine! My breaches of the law are His, And His obedience mine.” (John Newton)
