A Verse
Exodus 20:13
You shall not murder.
A Comment
One of the saddest accounts in all of the Bible is the way that sin corrupts our relationship with one another. We see it not only in the relationship between Adam and Eve, but we quickly see the corruption spread to their offspring. Cain kills Able out of envy and jealousy over God’s acceptance of Able’s offering. Yet, the murderous rage does not end with Cain’s violence against Able. We read chapter after chapter of humans created in the image of God killing other humans created in the image of God. Thus, when we read the LORD’s prohibition against murder in Exodus 20:13, we recognize that murder is not only a crime and sin committed against another human, but also a sin against the holy God who regards human life as valuable because we are made in His image.
Jesus elevates this command in his Sermon on the Mount and goes right to the heart of our issue. It is not enough to simply not murder each other. We must also guard our hearts from the hatred that eventually leads to violent actions toward others. Hatred and murder of fellow image-bearers are contrary to God’s will for humanity. We must put to death such thoughts, words, and behaviors that express hatred for the neighbors and enemies that we have been called to love. How do we do this?
Our relationships with others must be sustained and resourced by God’s own love working itself out in our hearts. We must learn to forgive others as God in Christ has forgiven us. And when we rightly ask, “What about justice?”, we must remember that our God is the avenger of His people. Justice might not come in our timing, but we can be sure that God, the Judge of all the earth, will do right. He will vindicate his people who have loved and trusted Him. We must leave room for the vengeance of God and not resort to the hatred and murder that characterizes so much of this fallen, broken world.
A Prayer
Will you pray with me?
A Blessing
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
God's Concern for Human Life