May 4, 2022

“God is the helper of the poor, the husband of the widow, the Father of the fatherless. He cares about those for whom the world has no care. And he calls his people to be his agents: “Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow” 

—Isaiah 1:17

The unborn represent humanity in its most helpless form, under merciless attack. They have, therefore, a unique claim upon the mercy of God’s people.”

— John Frame

Surprised, but cynical - that is how I would characterize my initial response to the leaked SCOTUS draft on Monday. The political and judicial realities of our times make things like cautious optimism feel like a stretch, and hope feels unattainable. So what are Christians to do now? Paul’s instruction to Timothy are helpful: “ I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim 2:1-4). We ought to pray for our courts and officials - not just those in favor, but for those opposed, that all would come to know Christ, and steward our laws justly. We also need to guard our hearts - not against disappointment, but against cynicism. Paul also writes: “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7). Being saved by grace through faith - we know the power of love that reaches into unlovely places. If we can be forgiven by grace through faith, we can trust that institutional sins of our nation are not in any way outside of God’s reach.

— MATT ALLHANDS