Day 8 – God is Peaceful

Exodus 20:13 “Thou shalt not murder” KJV

For Israel:

Moses committed murder in Egypt and then fled into the wilderness. The first murder took place in Genesis 4 when Cain killed his brother Able because of jealousy and he hated his brother. Pharaoh murdered the Israelites for not obeying his laws. For years the Israelites were murdered and killed in wars. Genesis 1:27 says that God created man on the sixth day. This command is out of God’s heart indicating that He valued them as one of a kind and that they were precious. God also have a punishment if a life is deliberately taken. Deuteronomy 19:21 In such cases show no mercy; the punishment is to be a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, and a foot for a foot.

For today:

The world has different opinions about murder. Do we really need to elaborate on this command? My point of view is: God said it, I read it, and it is done, Amen. Sadly, this is not a popular world opinion. In a perfect world, we would not have this conversation, but we live in a broken, sin-filled world. But let me remind you about what the Word says about the devil’s murderous intentions: 1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert, be on the watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams round like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

Always remember God values every person’s life as irreplaceable and precious. And so should we. This isn’t easy, I know because all of us have that one person we run from. But next time when your paths cross, look at them through Jesus’s eyes and do not commit murder in your heart and thoughts.

Prayer: Lord, You made us in Your likeness and Your image. Help us to see people through Your eyes. Please give us the wisdom to uplift people and not break them down. Help us to discern the problems in someone’s life and give us the knowledge to lead them to the safety of Your arms. Let Your love shine through us and no words are needed to convince others of Your glory. Amen.

By Marie Swanepoel for www.womenoftheword.co.za