Scripture to Read: Exodus 20:13
We know that God’s Word is holy, righteous, and trustworthy, and that though some forty writers penned it, it is still God’s Word. We know God gave the command that we should never murder, but our Lord Jesus Christ defines for us where murder starts. Jesus said, in Matthew 5:21–22, “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder ’and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court. ’22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing, ’shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool, ’shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.” The Pharisees and Sadducees had gotten so far away from living God’s Word that all they wanted to do was “act” like they were holy when their heart was far from God. So, Jesus defined that murder was not just an action, but that murder started in the heart. That is why Jesus said in Matthew 15:19, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.” Our hearts can only be transformed through a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. In today’s society, and this has been said for years, many believe that a person can be rehabilitated through the right programs and counseling. But man’s wisdom and philosophy always falls short and can never accomplish what God alone does through His Holy Spirit coming to live in a person surrendered to Christ as Lord.
Challenge & Application
· Since our heart is where our sin begins, what are you doing to guard your heart each day?
· How can you help others see that their actions and attitudes must come under the authority of God and His Word?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!