Text: Psalm 36:1-6
When it comes to sins against the lives of society’s unwanted, these stem entirely from selfishness. As the Psalmist reminds us, a wicked man flatters himself and has no fear of God. Rather, he plots trouble for his own selfish desires. Is this not the base of the claim that the pre-born are inconvenient in their timing, or the elderly when they are consuming resources that the foolish man thinks could be better used elsewhere, or the disabled and troubled who are told their lives are somehow not worth living?
It is selfish to consider such possibilities because God alone has brought about their life and He alone is able to end it. The wise man seeks not to understand God’s motivation or to correct God’s plan, but rather seeks to help the pre-born’s mother provide for her child’s needs, visits the elderly to give them company and learn from their life, and engages with those whose life is difficult in order to ease their burdens.
As verses 5-6 remind us, the Lord is in control of all things, and His love is beyond our understanding. But He saves all for His purposes, and we are given to simply receive with thanksgiving.
Let us pray: Our Heavenly Father, we come before in You in awe of Your continued love and faithfulness towards us. Help us to act wisely and not like wicked men, to protect those to whom You have given life, no matter if they are pre-born, elderly, or in need of special care. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
(Caleb Stoever, Sem II)