I Am Fearfully & Wonderfully Made
Psalm 139:13,14
God is involved in every person's life from the very beginning. By "beginning" I mean conception. Though this article is not about abortion, but rather why a human being is special, it is still true that many of the Scriptural principles we will be considering certainly speak to the topic of abortion. When a baby has been intentionally aborted, a murder has taken place.
Children are very special since they are a gift of God (Psalm 127:3). Because God is involved in every person's life from the beginning, this makes everyone very special from the beginning. Consider the text of our study, and the passage from which the title is taken; Psalm 139.
YOUR CREATION
"For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother's womb." (Psalm 139:13). God made you. He formed ("created") what the text refers to as "inward parts" ( Hebrew is literally "kidneys"). Don't think of what we usually think of as "kidneys" today; but rather "mind". This would be more in accordance with Jewish thought at the time David wrote this Psalm (see also Revelation 2:23). The KJV renders the word "reins" which is the archaic English word for "kidneys" and stands for the "inner man"; his or her unseen part; the substance within us that makes us what we are.
Understanding this will hopefully cause us to be responsible as good stewards. We will not use the body which God has given us in ways that would morally pollute it. (1 Corinthians 6:19)
God wove you. Like a tapestry, each of us is a complex creature (Exodus 26:36). All of our parts work together; each with a different job to do and all depending on the other parts (1 Corinthians 12:14-18). God works with the skill that confounds man. We recall the first creation which began it all (Genesis 2:7;22; 1:27). When God formed that initial human pair, He skillfully added mechanisms which would operate on the basis of natural law so that they would be able to re-create themselves. The Psalmist correctly identifies God as the Master Worker who is the source of our origin.
This should elicit praise and thanksgiving from our hearts (Psalm 139:14). We are "fearfully" (awe) and "wonderfully" (to distinguish) made. Each of us are unique in many ways, but also similar in many; each an original masterpiece of the Creator. Don't deny this aspect of your identity (too many have done so). God can use your special abilities (Palm 139:16); He has a purpose for you!
YOU BEGAN PURE & UNDEFILED
Jesus' commended little children for some of the qualities they are born with. (Matthew 18:3; 19:14). There was a time early in our lives when we were in a state of innocence as well. But the day came when we became accountable for our actions and lost our innocence. Transgressing God's law defiles us and places us in opposition to God (Isaiah 59:2; Ephesians 2:1-3).
Yet, such a one still belongs to God and God still loves the sinner - (Ephesians 2:4-6). He wants you to be pure so that He might reward you in the ages to come (Ephesians 2:7). It is time to say "yes" to God and "no" to sin. Seek purity in Christ (1 Peter 4:2; 2:1-3).
GOD THINKS ABOUT YOU
So precious (weighty) are the thoughts of God (Psalm 139:17,18). They are vast and far beyond us (Romans 11:33-36). God is intensely interested in our salvation.
Because of this, God has provided redemption in His Son, Jesus (John 3:16). This was in accordance with His plan from before the beginning (Ephesians 3:11-13). When sin entered the world, God was right there, and along with announcing the consequences of sin He also announced His plan to undo what Satan had done and remedy the situation which would have otherwise been hopeless (Genesis 3:15).
God has not abandoned man; man has abandoned God. But some have the wisdom to recognize that it is we who need God; His love and care and fellowship before we can truly be happy. We are His offspring! (Acts 17:24-28). Some have abandoned our Father and have gone to live with another (John 8:43-45). Not many actually call Satan "Dad", but Jesus says that is what Satan becomes to those who refuse to hear Him. If you allow the world to dictate your morality, your religion, your speech, your dress, your conduct, then say "hello" to your new dad, according to Jesus; "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father..." (John 8:44).
But we all know who our real Father is, don't we? (Hebrews 12:9). We know from whom our spirits come; who loves us; to whom we owe our submission. We are indeed "fearfully and wonderfully made" and it is time we show our appreciation to the Father for what He has done for us, and the hope of eternal life which He offers us at so great a cost to Himself.
By Jon W. Quinn
From Expository Files 6.8; August 1999
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