Proetecting our innocent family members Proper 8 (13)

Protecting our innocent family members

I think most of you would agree that we would do anything to protect our children. Those innocent little members of our households who provide us with such joy and laughter. We would do virtually anything to prevent harm of any kind from them: physical, mental, emotional. Just as we step up to protect the innocent ones in our lives, God does the same for each and every one of us.

Let’s spent a moment to reflect upon God’s unwavering desire to protect the innocent. In a world filled with injustice and suffering, it is essential that we understand the depth of God's love for His creation and our responsibility to uphold justice and righteousness. Our central reading from Genesis 22:1-14 sheds light on God's abhorrence of the sacrifice of the innocent. Let us explore this passage and examine how we, as a culture, may unwittingly participate in sacrificing the innocent today.

Genesis 22:1-14: The Sacrifice of Isaac

The story of Abraham being tested by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac, is a profound illustration of God's ultimate rejection of the sacrifice of the innocent. As Abraham prepared to carry out this unimaginable act, God intervened and provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac. This event demonstrates that God does not desire the shedding of innocent blood and reveals His compassionate nature.

Contemporary Examples of Sacrificing the Innocent

1. Human trafficking: Another heinous example of sacrificing the innocent is the scourge of human trafficking. Countless men, women, and children are trafficked, exploited, and forced into unimaginable circumstances against their will. God's heart breaks for these victims, and it is our duty to work towards eradicating this modern-day slavery.

2. Injustice in the criminal justice system: Our justice system, though designed to protect the innocent, can be flawed and biased. Innocent individuals may be wrongly convicted or subjected to disproportionate punishments. As followers of Christ, we must work to ensure fair and just treatment for all, standing against any form of injustice.

In Psalm 13, we find David pouring out his heart to God, feeling abandoned and overwhelmed. This psalm serves as a reminder that even in times of despair and when the innocent suffer, we can turn to God in prayer. We can cry out to Him, seeking His intervention and relying on His justice and mercy to prevail.

In Romans 6:12-23, the apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of choosing righteousness over sin. As believers, we are called to reject any participation in sacrificing the innocent. We are to live lives that honor God, advocating for justice and protecting those who cannot defend themselves.

In Matthew 10:40-42, Jesus speaks about the significance of welcoming and caring for the "least of these." By extending our love and compassion to the vulnerable, marginalized, and innocent, we become channels of God's protection and grace. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, reflects God's desire to protect and uplift the innocent.

Conclusion:

My dear brothers and sisters, God's desire to protect the innocent is evident throughout Scripture and resonates in our hearts. We must recognize the ways in which our culture participates in sacrificing the innocent, and with unwavering conviction, stand against these injustices. Through prayer, advocacy, and living righteous lives, we can become agents of change, reflecting God's protective and compassionate nature to a world in desperate need. Let us heed the call to protect the innocent, just as God does, and shine the light of His love into the darkest corners of our society.

Prayer:

Gracious and merciful God, In the depths of our hearts, we feel Your presence, knowing that Your desire is to protect the innocent. We turn to You in prayer, seeking solace and guidance. We understand that You do not tolerate the sacrifice of the innocent, for You provided a ram as an alternative, sparing Isaac from harm. You teach us that Your love encompasses protection and preservation, and we are grateful for Your unwavering care. Today, we lift our voices in prayer, affirming Your steadfast love and the assurance that You are the defender of the innocent. We recognize that in a world filled with turmoil and injustice, Your heart aches for those who suffer at the hands of others. Your compassion extends to the downtrodden, the marginalized, and the vulnerable. We seek Your intervention and protection for all who are at risk, longing for justice and peace to prevail. In the words of Psalm 13, we find solace and the affirmation of our trust in You:

"How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me." O God, as we pour out our hearts before You, we echo the plea of the psalmist. We implore You to consider and answer us, to bring light into our lives and into the lives of the innocent who suffer. May the power of Your love and protection shield them from harm, and may their enemies be overcome.

We place our trust in Your steadfast love, knowing that Your salvation is near. Fill our hearts with rejoicing, for You have been generous and compassionate to us. Let our lives be a testimony to Your faithfulness and grace, as we strive to promote justice and protect the innocent. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who embodies Your love and sacrifice, we pray. Amen.