Overturning abortion ruling is highest priority

Over and over again God warned the people of Israel against worshiping Molech, a heathen god.

“Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, on the hill that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the people of Ammon.” (1 Kings 11:7)

“Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Again, you shall say to the children of Israel, “Whoever of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel, who gives any of his descendants to Molech, he shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones.”’” (Leviticus 20:1-2)

What kind of a god was Molech? He was the god of the sacrifice of newborn babies. The central act of his worship was child sacrifice. The firstborn of every woman’s body had to be sacrificed to Molech. At the back of the idol was an opening. After a fire was made within it each parent had to come and, with his or her own hands, place the child in the white-hot outstretched hands of Molech. According to this tradition, the parent was not allowed to show emotion. Drums were beaten so the baby’s cries could not be heard as the baby died in the arms of Molech.

Satan always demands child sacrifice. What is the modern-day equivalent of the worship of Molech? The modern equivalent is abortion. Since Roe vs. Wade in 1973, 35 million babies have been killed in this country. Yet, a recent Alaska Supreme Court decision said your 12- or 13-year-old daughter can walk into Planned Parenthood and get an abortion and there is absolutely nothing you as a parent can do about it. The far left is obsessed with abortion — anytime, anyplace and at any age.

The Pilgrims arrived at Cape Cod on Nov. 21, 1620. They left England to escape religious persecution. They desired a better life — a life of freedom. They wished to raise their children as they chose. Is this the America they desired to create? Years later under the Continental Congress and George Washington, the colonists opposed the mighty British Empire. One of their primary issues was no taxation without representation. What would they think of men in black robes allowing murder and stripping parents of their rights? Where is our representation? The massive power in the courts bypasses the governor, the Legislature and, most importantly, the people.

What can we do? What should be our response? You and I must respond to this Alaska Supreme Court decision in two ways.

First, we must focus upon the Person of Jesus. In Matthew 19, parents brought their children to Jesus. These were young children from infancy to toddler age. Luke says, “They were even bringing their babies” to Jesus (Luke 18:15). Both Mark and Luke used the imperfect tense. This indicates a continuous process and likely an extended period of time. The disciples didn’t like the interruption. The disciples rebuked parents. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)

Jesus took them in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.

You and I must have the same love and concern for children as Jesus. The heart that is warm toward the Lord will inevitably be warm toward children. Children in the Bible are always a blessing, not a burden. As Jesus received the children and focused upon them so must we. The ultimate act of love by Jesus toward children was dying for them. On the cross He paid for their sins. He laid down his life for their sins.

My wife and I adopted our first two children. Daniel is 8 and Isaac is 7. There is no greater joy in our lives than our children. Adoption is a great option.

Second, you and I must understand that this issue is our highest priority. It is more important than raising the oil tax or even the gas pipeline. Twice during his public ministry Jesus cleansed the temple. At the very beginning of his public ministry Jesus threw out the moneychangers and those selling animals. At the end of his public ministry Jesus cleansed the temple again.

Jesus said, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” (Matthew 21:13).

It is time for us to clean house also. Everything must be done within peaceful means to overturn this decision. Our forefathers were willing to cross an ocean to escape government oppression. They valued freedom. Our ancestors threw the British out. It is well past time that we stand for right.

Ethan Hansen is pastor at Faith Bible Fellowship of Big Lake. He can be reached at ethanchansen@gci.net.