The Shedding of Blood and the Image of God

Scripture: Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image. Genesis 9:6

Observation: God outlines his new rules to Noah and his family, after the world-cleansing flood. He says that now, killing animals for the purpose of food is okay, but to remember that an animal’s life is still sacred. In fact, consuming the animal’s blood was off-limits, to remind people that this animal’s life belongs to and came from God. In contrast to this, the killing of humans is not acceptable. Why the difference? Because people are made in God’s image; animals are not. People are the image bearers of God and therefore to take their life is a crime against God and his image. God says he will require punishment from those who murder.

Application: So this morning I am listening to the news and find that now that the health care bill is looking like it will pass, its architects are being more open about what is truly inside. And the senate’s bill clearly provides federal subsidies to private health plans that cover elective abortions. In other words, my own government will require me to participate in paying for the murder of unborn children. I wonder how this prohibition from Genesis 9 comes into play now? As a nation, are we inviting the judgment of God upon our country because of our decision not only to permit murder, but to pay for it as well? Today I will contact our state senator and urge him to not pass a bill that forces me to participate in funding the shedding of blood.

Prayer: God, forgive us as a nation for our growing disregard for you and your word. I pray today that the health care bill provisions that mandate us paying for abortion would not pass. Please give wisdom and fear of God to our government officials as they work through this bill. And help me to seriously value all human life, and see it as made in your image.