Everytime I read of child sacrifice in the Old Testament, I cringe. When I think back to the history of the Israelites, I can't help but think how barbaric some of the customs were during that time. In Leviticus God had to give a specific command to the Israelites not to sacrifice their children to the god Molech. I mean, a specific order was needed not to kill your kids in the name of religion? It seems a little extreme to me. Yet, the nations that were surrounding the children of Israel were given such an influence that the Israelites found themselves doing just that. They got caught up in the cultural rituals and the worship of other gods--to the point of sacrificing their own offspring.
In today's time, it's hard for us to imagine such a thing. We seem to have advanced "above" such practices. Yet, when I went to China in 2005, I heard stories of families who would leave their unwanted deformed or handicapped (or female)babies out in the cold to die of exposure. I couldn't believe that went on in the world that we live in. Those are ancient practices, barbaric rituals of the past, right? How could this possibly go on in our advanced society? Yet, in the work I do with crisis pregnancies, I recognize that is far from the truth.
Every day the counselors in my office sit across from women who participate in the same rituals the Israelites did so long ago. They find themselves sacrificing their children, but it is given a different name these days. Now, it is called abortion.
These children are placed on the altar of selfishness, resources, timing, income, relationships, etc. These children are sacrificed to idols that our society has erected and our cultural influences have deemed "politically correct." These women are prasied for placing their children there and are then left utterly alone to pick up the pieces from their choice.
When I come face to face with women who are I am burdened for these women and the influences that have played a part in their decision. I am burdened for these children who were never given a chance. I hope that one day we can awaken to the reality of our situation and recognize the altars we have erected. For some it will have already been too late....
So, yes, as a society have have advanced leaps and bounds. Yet, throughout history some patterns seem to never change. Although it's very easy for me to look at Israel and stand in judgement of all their choices, I recognize that I am no different. I struggle with the same issues that they did; they just take a different form. I fight the same influences each day; they just aren't in the shape of graven images or false idols. They come in concepts and desires, influences and relationships. They are dangerous, sneaky, and lethal, sometimes disguising themselves as good, light, and true. It requires diligence, discernment, and strength.
Ephesians 5:10-14: "For you once were in darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light...have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them...everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. That is why it is said: 'Wake up O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'"
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