"Save The Tigers"
I recently saw a television commercial encouraging viewers to help “save the tigers.” The commercial portrayed these beautiful, powerful animals and said that tiger populations, in the wild, were at an all-time low. It was stated that there could be as few as 3,200 remaining in the wild. In light of the dwindling population of these remarkable creatures, the passionate plea was made to “help save the tigers.”
I am very fond of my two dogs and am fascinated by exotic animals, such as tigers. The wonders of God’s creation never cease to amaze those who appreciate all animal and plant life. We stand in awe of the all-mighty God who created “every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth” (Genesis 1:26). Surely, all who understand these matters will want to be good stewards of the environment and all things therein…including the tigers.
Nevertheless, there seems to be a strange irony in the emphasis our culture places on saving the tigers, the whales, and the trees. The irony is that while we are busy saving animals and trees, innocent babies are killed daily, by means of abortion. Where are the commercials stressing the need to “save the babies”?
Of course, we all know the arguments: “It’s not a baby; it’s a fetus.” “What about a case in which a woman’s life is in danger if she has the baby?” “What if a woman is raped, and in the perpetration of that evil act, conceives by the rapist?” We are told that there are times, such as the ones just mentioned, when it is better to terminate the life of the “fetus.” These questions bring out strong emotions in pro-choice and pro-life advocates.
However, when all the arguing is over, there is still the haunting reality that innocent blood is shed every time a baby—not merely a “fetus” to be disposed of—is aborted. The Bible teaches that when Mary, the mother of Jesus, greeted Elisabeth, the “babe” Elisabeth was carrying moved within her womb (Luke 1:41). The Scripture says that Mary herself was “found with child of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 1:18). Notice the terms “babe” and “child.” These terms reveal that what is within the womb is not merely a sub-human blob of tissue, but a baby! Suppose Elisabeth had ended the life of the “babe” that was within her womb. Would she not have killed John the Baptist? Suppose Mary, Jesus’ mother, had aborted the “child” she was carrying. Would she not have killed Jesus? One of the things God despises is “hands that shed innocent blood” (Proverbs 6:17).
Which is more important? Saving the tigers, or saving the babies? To me, the answer is obvious!
