U.S. Supreme Court will soon announce historic decisions
Published 7:30 am Sunday, June 26, 2022
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The news media and crowds of people have gathered in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, awaiting the announcement of historic decisions such as overturning Roe v. Wade any day now.
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to take a tour of the U.S. Supreme Court’s majestic, judicial building. Outside, above the tall columns on the east side of the building, there’s a triangular stone carving. At its center, Moses and the Ten Commandments are portrayed.
Walking into the Supreme Court’s chambers where the cases are heard, the Ten Commandment tablets with Roman numerals are engraved on the double wooden doors. As I sat in the ornate chambers listening to our guide’s lecture, I learned some interesting facts. She pointed out that the nine justices are seated according to the length of time they’ve served on the bench. The Chief Justice sits in the center with four chairs to his left and four to his right.
Just below the 44-foot ceiling, encircling the walls, famous lawgivers are depicted. These historical figures, among them Moses holding the Ten Commandments, affect our nation’s laws.
Our guide asked us a question that surprised me, “Did you know there’s a court higher than the Supreme Court?” My first thought was, “Is she about to publicly acknowledge God and His supreme authority?” She went on to describe an unused storage area above the beautiful, ornate ceiling where a regulation basketball court was constructed for court employees. “Maybe you’d like to know if the Justices play?” our guide continued. “No, they just sit on the bench.”
Everyone chuckled. But her question about the Court above the court reminded me of their ruling in 1973 permitting abortion on demand during the entire nine months of pregnancy, though human life is created in the image of God. During the past 50 years, over 62 million preborn babies have been denied the right to life…liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
During the past 50 years, medical advances have made it possible to see 4-D ultrasound images of the preborn baby in the womb. But, thousands of years ago, King David wrote these words, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret…Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed” (Psalm 139:13-16). So God has always had a window to the womb.
Another ruling expected soon involves an Assistant High School Football Coach from Bremerton, Washington, near Seattle. After the game when players left the field, Coach Joe Kennedy would pause, kneel, and offer a brief, silent, personal prayer lasting between 15- 30 seconds. Eventually some players asked if they could also pray. The coach would sometimes share a motivational speech before a brief prayer. No one complained for seven years until school officials asked him to cease praying. Believing he was within his rights, he continued and was suspended. Later he lost his job. Coach Kennedy filed suit against the school district and it’s progressed to the U.S. Supreme Court, who will rule on public employees religious rights.
Would you join me in praying about these cases and for the safety of the Justices and their families? These cases will impact our country for generations to come.