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Day 5 - September 30

Intention:

May the truth of the final judgment shape our thoughts, priorities, and choices here on earth.

Scripture:

The King will answer and say to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me."

-- Matthew 25:31-46

Reflection:

Caring for others is not optional.

Jesus' picture of the final judgment concludes with this sobering word: the wicked, who failed to care for others in their various needs (e.g., the hungry, the thirsty, the aliens, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned) will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous who did seek to meet those needs will end up with him, enjoying eternal life.

We know that this was no parable! Jesus has given us fair warning! Everything in God's Word points to the truth that compassionate concern and practical care for all people, especially for the poor, the destitute, the weak and needy is required of us, if indeed we hope to escape the punishment of the fire of hell.

And who are the poor and needy, if not helpless, unborn babies, as well as the aged and infirm at the other end of life? Surely the "least of these" embraces not only those at both ends of the continuum of life, but all others in between. Just how we, as Christ's true followers, respond to his admonition "inasmuch as you did it to the least of these, you did it to me" will determine whether we enjoy eternal bliss in his presence or the bleak and dreadful reality of eternal punishment in hell. Nothing in God's Word could be clearer!

Prayer:

Gracious and merciful Father, we gladly embrace your Word that counsels us to care for the least of your children, and we renew our dedication to defending the unborn and all whose right to life is compromised by our godless society's selfish lack of concern. Free us from our own failures and sins so that we will be truly pro-life in every area of our lives. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rev. Ben Sheldon
President Emeritus, Presbyterians Pro-Life

Today’s email from Shawn Carney:

Abortions on a Sunday?

Even on the Lord’s Day, there are abortionists open
for business. As hard as that may seem to believe,
it’s true.

Your prayers are needed so women don’t make a mistake
that will cost their babies their lives — and will
perhaps affect them in ways they can’t even imagine
for years to come.

But even for those who have made that mistake, there
is eternal hope. Here are a couple of stories of hurt
... and healing.

UNEXPECTED CALL

I’m going to keep the location confidential for this
first story.

“I received a call from a woman telling me she had
gotten information about our campaign from a local
church,” a local leader said, “and she wanted to know
if she could help. Her voice was a little broken, as
she explained to me that people just don’t realize
how they might feel later.”

The caller went on to say that women who think
abortion is the answer just don’t realize that years
later, they’ll be wondering about the baby — what
they would have looked like, what they might have
gone on to do. They also don’t realize that God will
hold them accountable for what they’ve done.

“As she was saying these things, and trying to speak
clearly, she was sobbing between her words,” the
leader said. “I could hear the pain in her voice.”

Finally, the 40 Days for Life volunteer asked her,
“Ma’am, did you have an abortion?”

In tears, the caller answered, “No, but my daughter
did. She was 15 at the time and I was going through
a divorce. She was so young. We thought it was the
best thing.” She considered herself responsible.

The woman was quickly told that the Lord is always
ready to forgive and Rachel’s Vineyard, for instance,
offers retreats for healing after abortion. She was
also told about the pro-life pregnancy help center
and the services it offers.

The woman expressed relief and gratitude.

“40 Days for Life is about so much more than what we
may originally think,” the leader said. “I did not
expect that call. It was totally heart-wrenching. I
have been so blessed to be part of this — to see the
power of God working and to be part of helping
someone to heal in some small way. Please know ...
you are making a difference!”

AUSTIN, TEXAS

The grandmother in the first story wanted to do
whatever she could to convince others to avoid the
path she took.

So did a woman Texas, who brought her message to the
sidewalk in front of an abortion center in south
Austin. She stood and prayed, holding a sign that
reads, “I regret my abortion.”

As she prayed, two women drove up to the building.
One of them appeared to be quite upset. The two looked
at the woman praying ... glanced at the sign ... and
walked inside.

But they weren’t inside long. After a very short stay,
they left the building, got into their car and drove
towards the exit, stopping at the sidewalk where one
of them took information about community resources.

She looked at the volunteer and said, “I can’t do it.
I just can’t do it. Thank you very much!”

One woman’s simple, prayerful presence was all it took.