Scripture to Read: Exodus 20:13
We live in a country that loves to take God’s Word and twist it to say what they want it to say. As we examine God’s Ten Commandments, commandment number six has been one of those commands misinterpreted over and over again. But in Exodus 20:13, God clearly states, “You shall not murder.” The KJV definitely translated it wrong by using the word “kill” and not the word “murder.” What God commanded was that no one is ever to commit an unjustified, deliberate homicide. So why did God not say you shall not “kill?”—because killing is at times justified. We are justified in protecting our family, friends, the unprotected, and even our lives if someone is trying to take our life. We know that killing occurs in wars, and we see many battles in the Old Testament where God fought on behalf of Israel, and many people were killed, but definitely not murdered. The reason God never justifies murder is because we are made in His image. God’s Word says in Genesis 9:6, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man.” Life is a gift from God, and only God has the right to tell us how to take care of this life or eliminate a life that dishonors Him and His commands. Our responsibility is to walk in obedience to God and His Word, guard ourselves against this world's lies (for example, abortion), and count each life as precious since each has been made in His image.
Challenge & Application
· Why is killing at times justified but murder is not, and how would you explain it to someone?
· How can you guard yourself against accepting this world's lies and help others do the same?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!