#183 Respect or Love

]“Whoever steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.

2 “If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed; 3 but if it happens after sunrise, the defender is guilty of bloodshed.

“Anyone who steals must certainly make restitution, but if they have nothing, they must be sold to pay for their theft. 4 If the stolen animal is found alive in their possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—they must pay back double.

5 “If anyone grazes their livestock in a field or vineyard and lets them stray and they graze in someone else’s field, the offender must make restitution from the best of their own field or vineyard.

6 “If a fire breaks out and spreads into thorn bushes so that it burns shocks of grain or standing grain or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make restitution.

7 “If anyone gives a neighbor silver or goods for safekeeping and they are stolen from the neighbor’s house, the thief, if caught, must pay back double.8 But if the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges, and they must[b] determine whether the owner of the house has laid hands on the other person’s property. 9 In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any other lost property about which somebody says, ‘This is mine,’ both parties are to bring their cases before the judges.[c] The one whom the judges declare[d] guilty must pay back double to the other.

10 “If anyone gives a donkey, an ox, a sheep or any other animal to their neighbor for safekeeping and it dies or is injured or is taken away while no one is looking, 11 the issue between them will be settled by the taking of an oath before the Lord that the neighbor did not lay hands on the other person’s property. The owner is to accept this, and no restitution is required. 12 But if the animal was stolen from the neighbor, restitution must be made to the owner.13 If it was torn to pieces by a wild animal, the neighbor shall bring in the remains as evidence and shall not be required to pay for the torn animal.

14 “If anyone borrows an animal from their neighbor and it is injured or dies while the owner is not present, they must make restitution. 15 But if the owner is with the animal, the borrower will not have to pay. If the animal was hired, the money paid for the hire covers the loss. Exodus 22:1-15 NIV

Their is a high emphasis on individual responsibility and respect. A thief, if caught, has relinquished his freedom. His actions have made him a slave according to the law. Every act committed against God's creation is against Him, and respect here is a command, not waiting for others to be respectable. There is a great blessing in being content, respecting others and for the sincere love of your fellow man. The law cannot offer this, but those who have it are no longer under the law, for they seek only that which benefits their fellow man, and therefore do not act against the law. 

Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

8But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 1Timothy 1:8-11 KJV

I would rather not be under the law, and so I cling to the cross where I must ask for understanding, a renewed heart and mind. 

If I speak in the tonguesa of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,b but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13

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#182 Pit Fall

12 “Anyone who strikes a person with a fatal blow is to be put to death.13 However, if it is not done intentionally, but God lets it happen, they are to flee to a place I will designate. 14 But if anyone schemes and kills someone deliberately, that person is to be taken from my altar and put to death.

15 “Anyone who attacks[c] their father or mother is to be put to death.

16 “Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.

17 “Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.

18 “If people quarrel and one person hits another with a stone or with their fist[d] and the victim does not die but is confined to bed, 19 the one who struck the blow will not be held liable if the other can get up and walk around outside with a staff; however, the guilty party must pay the injured person for any loss of time and see that the victim is completely healed.

20 “Anyone who beats their male or female slave with a rod must be punished if the slave dies as a direct result, 21 but they are not to be punished if the slave recovers after a day or two, since the slave is their property.

22 “If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely[e] but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. 23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

26 “An owner who hits a male or female slave in the eye and destroys it must let the slave go free to compensate for the eye. 27 And an owner who knocks out the tooth of a male or female slave must let the slave go free to compensate for the tooth.

28 “If a bull gores a man or woman to death, the bull is to be stoned to death,and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the bull will not be held responsible. 29 If, however, the bull has had the habit of goring and the owner has been warned but has not kept it penned up and it kills a man or woman, the bull is to be stoned and its owner also is to be put to death. 30 However, if payment is demanded, the owner may redeem his life by the payment of whatever is demanded. 31 This law also applies if the bull gores a son or daughter. 32 If the bull gores a male or female slave, the owner must pay thirty shekels[f] of silver to the master of the slave, and the bull is to be stoned to death.

33 “If anyone uncovers a pit or digs one and fails to cover it and an ox or a donkey falls into it, 34 the one who opened the pit must pay the owner for the loss and take the dead animal in exchange.

35 “If anyone’s bull injures someone else’s bull and it dies, the two parties are to sell the live one and divide both the money and the dead animal equally.36 However, if it was known that the bull had the habit of goring, yet the owner did not keep it penned up, the owner must pay, animal for animal, and take the dead animal in exchange. Exodus 21: 12-35

The wages of sin is death, and I remember the comment of a friend of mine, from not so long ago. He said something to the effect that there was a difference between the God of the Old Testament and the New. He viewed the God of the New Testament as a kinder, gentler God. The wages are still the same and an eternal God does not change. He is still infinitely opposed to sin, and here we see the reward of it mandated. Under these laws, there is a very direct  link between infraction and judgment. The picture is eternal in its reach though, as He is also eternal, and grace cannot be understood outside of justice.

20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 

22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 

24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:20-24

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?2May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?…Romans 6:1

There is much to be said on this and the confusion in a lot of the church today, but I should like to move along to another part of this text. The punishment for the sort of slavery, whereby a person is kidnapped and then sold, was death. We were all born slaves, but once I had received the gospel and the truth of my condition, it was at the time a shallow pool, but it was logical. I did not want to leave my master though, and tried to have two. God does not make this option, and so I had really chosen sin and its end, both present and eternal. When my master beat me down, I was angry at God, when my sin hurt someone else, I did not want the responsibility. Everything I condoned was a pit for someone else to fall in to. 

"For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19"Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20"For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:18-20

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#181 Which Slave are You

“These are the laws you are to set before them:

2 “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything. 3 If he comes alone, he is to go free alone; but if he has a wife when he comes, she is to go with him.4 If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free.

5 “But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’ 6 then his master must take him before the judges.[a]He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.

7 “If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as male servants do. 8 If she does not please the master who has selected her for himself,[b] he must let her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, because he has broken faith with her. 9 If he selects her for his son, he must grant her the rights of a daughter. 10 If he marries another woman, he must not deprive the first one of her food, clothing and marital rights. 11 If he does not provide her with these three things, she is to go free, without any payment of money. Exodus 21: 1-11 NIV

Here Moses further expounds upon the law as pertains to the treatment of others. Many will see this only one way and these verses are part of the scriptures I would often raise as token against both Judaism and Christianity. A lot has been written on the subject of slavery, and in the old Testament it is apparent that it was a method often used in correlation with debt. Jacob voluntarily enters a similar pact with his uncle in order to gain his wife, but Laban is not an honest man, and this servitude is extended beyond the agreed time. Here is a video dealing with some of the context of slavery in that time:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgO2gu_GkPk 

As always with scripture, there appears to be more, and one grows rather fond of the word foreshadowing. It is not any man or woman that enters this world free. All are born slaves to sin, but how unfortunate that this goes unnoticed by us.  But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.…Romans 6:17-19

The customs have changed much over the years, but the borrower is still servant to the lender, and our word should mean something to that end. We have a system now that down plays all these things and I myself am guilty, but we also have a system as Christians, where we are bought out by a price. Those of us, who have freely received, ought to also freely give. God has given me much, but if I open my eyes, then I shall see that it all really belongs to him, and that only an ungrateful servant would want to lord over another. This is why we forgive, this is why we are not so easily provoked, this is where we lay down our lives and take up Christ's.

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#180 Anything but Your Voice

18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance19 and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.”

20 Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”

21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.

Idols and Altars

22 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites this: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven: 23 Do not make any gods to be alongside me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold.

24 “‘Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you. 25 If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool on it. 26 And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private parts may be exposed.’ Exodus 20:18-26 NIV

Out of the mouth of God they have heard His law, much of which is already written upon our hearts. When the One, whose sovereignty is not limited to the outer image of man, speaks to this congregation, they tremble. Certainly in their lives, they have seen lightning and heard thunder, but the voice of God would transcend all aspects of His creation. Now the voice of Moses is preferred. The voice of the messenger does not lay open the heart, and what human messenger can we not find some bit of ourselves in. The voice of God leaves no place to hide, and ones own mind will confess it's guilt, so who can stand before a righteous God? 

They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! Revelation 6:16

He reiterates, do not make for yourselves gods of silver and gods of gold. When they build an altar to the One true God, it is to be of heaped stones, not elaborately fashioned. He will not have superstition about Himself, but rather obedience, and the desire of a people who will plead that they shall see sin as He does. We often come to worship God together, in buildings, but they are merely reminders of the true Ark of God. It is only in Christ that we can stand before God, and these buildings should be places that helps prepare the people, for the significance of what is going to be spoken. The true church of Christ is not a house made with hands, and so the stones would roll away, but the Body of Christ will remain.

Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling, 46saying to them, "It is written, 'AND MY HOUSE SHALL BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER,' but you have made it a ROBBERS' DEN." 47And He was teaching daily in the temple; but the chief priests and the scribes and the leading men among the people were trying to destroy Him,…Luke 19:45-47

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#179 Thankful

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”Exodus 20:17 NIV

This is the point at which the breaking of the other commandments begins. It is the pride of life that expresses injustice in that my neighbor has something that I do not. There is nothing more fueled by marketers, peers and our own egos, then this sense of entitlement. It is an infection that I had, and I even quit fishing for a time, because I could not do it the way I wanted. I could not do it the way my seemingly less deserving neighbor was able to. It was never that I deserved it more than he, but rather that I could not afford it, and the only thing that kept me from having fun or taking my kids fishing, was my lack of gratitude. I was unthankful, and dissatisfied. My eyes were not set upon Christ and what He had done for me, but rather on the material which I believed, regardless of cliche acknowledgments that "money doesn't buy happiness", that somehow it would. 

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

It is difficult to teach our children anything that is the opposite of our example. 

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#178 False

16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." Exodus 20:16 NIV

In the simple letter of the matter it would imply that we should not tell a lie about our neighbor. As the history of man unfolds, and the example of a man without blemish unfolds, we find that all these things are amplified to the heart. 28 A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. Proverbs 16:28 ESV. Most of the world is outwardly guilty of such, for we love gossip and find it much easier to tear down, and is it not similar to when Christ suggest that our angry hearts are the birth place of all murderous deeds. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. James 1:26 ESV. I have watched the corporate world for some time, and have seen many careers built upon the supposed critique of others. There are those in every walk of life that try to find their "Mississippi". Out of the 50 states they would reason that this one makes the others look good, not because the others have excelled but because this one has struggled. We are quick to feel threatened and rather than improve we look for a scape goat, someone whose sin can be revealed for our pleasure and benefit. “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." Matthew 7:1-5. I wish I could leave myself out of this, but there have been so many times that I could have kept my mouth shut, or have gone to the person to help them improve the situation. I could have prayed and looked deep to the condition of my own soul, and then offered them the conviction of example. No one should be your stepping stone; you have defied their Creator when we treat men thus. 20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 2 Corinthians 12:20 ESV. This does not leave in any way sin ignored. We are also instructed to help restore, but it is never the intent of gossip to be helpful, and some of our most deplorable conversations start out with the notion of our own superiority. We act as if we are trying to be helpful, and yet never go to the person or look upon our own sin with equal disdain. None of us would have others see who we really are, but we feel it our duty to expose everyone else, and our satisfied that this lowered view of them has somehow cause the light to shine most brilliantly around ourselves.  Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.…Galatians 6:1&2. Oh God, that you would put a guard before my mouth, and help me to bridle my tongue.

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#177 Thieves on the Sideline

15 “You shall not steal."

This should seem obvious, and the things I did not work for and those things that God has blessed another man with, do not belong to me. Even men, who say that God does not exist and that there is therefore no right or wrong, are quick to use words like "mine" or "stolen". Whole countries will even in the name of religion enter another's land to gain control of their resources. I have had bosses that wish to renegotiate my agreed upon pay once the time has come for them to pay. The money is still in their hand and so they feel a right to it. When I was younger I did not want a God of ultimate good or authority, and so while others could wrong me, I felt that moral views of stealing were relative, and that it was more a matter of whether you got caught. There is an emotional argument here too, and that I hear often in the defense of those who steal or sin in any manner. What about the man who is starving? What about when you need to feed your children? What about the boss who cheats you? Well, the law upholds the letter. Men do not despise a thief if he steals To satisfy himself when he is hungry; But when he is found, he must repay seven fold; He must give all the substance of his house. Proverbs 6:30&31

As a Christian, I cannot just stop there, and while I may learn to feel satisfied with the things I have, it has often been easy for me to turn my back on those who are in need. We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.…1 John 3:16-18. I have so often, in my heart, passed judgment upon the person holding up the sign for food, and one day my daughter made the comment, "he is just trying to get money for drugs." I told her I was going to turn around so that she could hold his sign for him, and changed my mind when when we approached, because I had thought similar things when I saw him, and she was in tears. She may have been right by default, and a man should work for his food, but if I don't take the time to know him, then how can I judge where he's at. What if he was recently fired for doing the right thing? What if he is really hungry and his children are hungry, and he is a drug addict? I have been a poor steward of the things that God has given me, ungrateful and yet quick to judge. God, I beg you, please give me the sincerity that leads to true compassion, for those who are starving, both physically and Spiritually. My stuff no longer belongs to me, but to God and He is a God that would have His children show mercy.

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#176 The Value

14 “You shall not commit adultery." Exodus 20:14

The law that men regard as off limits to God. I remember a pastor telling me of a sermon that he gave about this very thing, and how after the service, one of the matriarchs of the church approached him, and she asked him, "please keep the church stuff in the church, but leave the family stuff alone. You are making some of the other members uncomfortable." and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;17so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2Timothy 3:15-17. It would appear that the pastor was doing his job, but the congregation thought it was for him to make them feel comfortable, and not to convict the soul. Admittedly, his story fell on deaf ears with me too, and it would be some time before I came to see it in the spirit of which God brings it, with a change of heart. If you asked me at any time in my life, "do you respect your mother, your wife, your daughters?" Of course, I would say. Yet, they are women, and how is it that I can say that I respect women in general, creatures for which God has secured value according to His image, if I have assigned to some this value only, and to others a value in accordance to their sensuality. It is a paradox that cannot ever reconcile itself, for this other man's daughter I lust after, yet I am offended that anyone would look upon my wife or children in this manner. "You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; 28but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.29"If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.…Matthew 5:27-29

Who can ever live up to such a standard? And so I left the thought of it, reasoning first that I could call it an act of love. I still claimed that I respected women, after all, look at the presidents, whom more women voted for. They ran campaigns geared towards women's rights, they formed words with their mouths that said, "I respect women." When their actions showed how they truly valued women, we held the women in contempt. This is the law that transcends deep into the heart, God does not leave it to rest upon our words or outward appearance. Some shout their sexuality from the roof tops, because it is their golden calf, and others prefer the privacy of their thought life. We have reduced the value of the being to the point of sex slavery, prostitution, pornography and abortion. I am a part of that. I looked at things I shouldn't see. I said things I did not mean. When I was a young man, a girl who I had been seeing came to tell me that she was pregnant. I was raised in the church, but the very first thing to enter my mind was something I had never tried to justify before, an abortion. I had elevated my adultery above life, and when it turned out to be a false alarm, I was relieved. I was momentarily shaken, but not eternally stirred. My heart was hard, and I would have my sin, but please, not the repercussions. 14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. 15 In it he wrote, “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die.”2Samuel 11:14&15. Not only did David devalue Bathsheba, for the sake of his lust, but he fully demonstrated the depravity associated with what we now "celebrate." He did not wish to confess his sin, but would rather cover it with another life. Men say they have a code. We speak of things with other men that we do not want our wives and children to hear, but if we devalue women in our talk and laughter, then we hold no honor or value for each other, for aren't women the other half of men. Did we not all come out of the belly of a woman? I respected no one, not even myself. 

18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin[a] a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price.So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 

There is much debate, even in the church these days, about what the Scriptures have said in very plain language, and colorfully demonstrated in the stories of our forefathers. The commandments of God are notably tied together, and the moral law, if broken against any other person, becomes that which is against God Himself. The Scripture has also stated to believers that there is no temptation that is not common to all men, and that with such, God will provide a way of escape. It also states that if we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us, but not only that, for he is also faithful in our sanctification, in that he will cleanse us. I use to despise this law, it was laughable to me, but one day I asked God to change my heart, and He did. 

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#175 Against Flesh

13 “You shall not murder." Exodus 20:13

The following is from John Calvin's commentary on Exodus 20:

17. Non occides.

The sum of this Commandment is, that we should not unjustly do violence to any one. In order, however, that God may the better restrain us from all injury of others, He propounds one particular form of it, from which men's natural sense is abhorrent; for we all detest murder, so as to recoil from those whose hands are polluted with blood, as if they carried contagion with them. Undoubtedly God would have the remains of His image, which still shine forth in men, to continue in some estimation, so that all might feel that every homicide is an offense against Him, (sacrilegium.) He does not, indeed, here express the reason, whereby He elsewhere deters men from murder, i e., by asserting that thus His image is violated, (Genesis 9:6;) yet, however precisely and authoritatively He may speak as a Legislator, He would still have us consider, what might naturally occur to everybody's mind, such as the statement of Isaiah 58:7, that man is our "own flesh." In order, then, that believers may more diligently beware of inflicting injuries, He condemns a crime, which all spontaneously confess to be insufferable. It will, however, more clearly appear hereafter, that under the word kill is included by synecdoche all violence, smiting, and aggression. Besides, another principle is also to be remembered, that in negative precepts, as they are called, the opposite affirmation is also to be understood; else it would not be by any means consistent, that a person would satisfy God's Law by merely abstaining from doing injury to others. Suppose, for example, that one of a cowardly disposition, and not daring to assail even a child, should not move a finger to injure his neighbors, would he therefore have discharged the duties of humanity as regards the Sixth Commandment? Nay, natural common sense demands more than that we should abstain from wrongdoing. And, not to say more on this point, it will plainly appear from the summary of the Second Table, that God not only forbids us to be murderers, but also prescribes that every one should study faithfully to defend the life of his neighbor, and practically to declare that it is dear to him; for in that summary no mere negative phrase is used, but the words expressly set forth that our neighbors are to be loved. It is unquestionable, then, that of those whom God there commands to be loved, He here commends the lives to our care. There are, consequently, two parts in the Commandment, -- first, that we should not vex, or oppress, or be at enmity with any; and, secondly, that we should not only live at peace with men, without exciting quarrels, but also should aid, as far as we can, the miserable who are unjustly oppressed, and should endeavor to resist the wicked, lest they should injure men as they list. Christ, therefore, in expounding the genuine sense of the Law, not only pronounces those transgressors who have committed murder, but also that

"he shall be in danger of the judgment who is angry with his brother without a cause; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell-fire." (Matthew 5:22.)

For He does not there, as some have ignorantly supposed, frame t new law, as if to east blame upon His Father; but shows the folly and perversity of those interpreters of the Law who only insist on the external appearance, and husk of things, as is vulgarly said; since the doctrine of God must rather be estimated from a due consideration of. His nature. Before earthly judges, if a man have carried a weapon for the purpose of killing a man, he is found guilty of violence; and God, who is a spiritual Lawgiver, goes even further. With Him, therefore, anger is accounted murder; yea, inasmuch as He pierces even to the most secret feelings, He holds even concealed hatred to be murder; for so we must understand John's words, "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer," (1 John 3:15;) i.e., hatred conceived in the heart is sufficient for his condemnation, although it may not openly appear. John Calvin

The law convicts us of our sin and its intent was never a checklist to substantiate a man's goodness, "well, I haven't killed any one today." I believe it was Socrates who said, "the unexamined life is not worth living."  Jesus points to the depth of the law, revealing that God's judgment upon sin comes all the way to the heart of men, the very thoughts they think are concealed. God's measure of us is not confined to what we may convince others of, and His word is not subject to our fickle natures. The news of late is filled with stories of be-headings, burning and all manner of atrocities towards those made in the image of God. Those responsible for such crimes should be held responsible, ah but the unexamined life does a lot of talking on the internet. I read the responses of people, who call themselves Christians, and they make a work of justifying their own violent responses. They say the men who do these things are evil, but does that imply that you are good? I hear the voice of prejudice connected to a heart filled with malice. The name calling, sexual innuendos and ethnic references all point to the abundance of our hearts. Tis a slippery slope though, as now some would most fraudulently imply that I am against capitol punishment, and they would be wrong.   

50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”[d]
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26:50-56

All sin leads to death, and the earth testifies to men of the physical death it is under everyday. We deny the spiritual part of death, even those who acknowledge that there is eternity. But when a man raises himself up in his mind, above his peers, and acts upon another with the violence that is most certainly in all of us, he has also forfeited his own life. It is in its simplest understanding, even for those who would convince themselves, that sin does not exist, the equal reaction to the action of murder. He has forfeited even the term of murder or martyr for himself, in that his death will now be just dues. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;4for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.5Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.…Romans 13:3-5 It is a sobering responsibility of governments to do justice, and those that glorify violence, force, bullying and love blood shed are a fearful thing to have as rulers. Those that deny the responsibility of such offices are also a fearful thing, for they let loose those who would destroy the lives of others. I have started to pray more for our leaders, because they are not where my hope rests; they are men just like me and just as capable of making the wrong decisions. I also pray for the evil doer, and those that have been taught by them, for I was not born righteous either. I pray for myself that God search me and remove these things from me, that what I believe will not be decided by popular opinion, but by the words of a righteous God. The arguments on both sides of this are usually steeped in the justifications that come from emotions and feelings, yet the word of God cannot be interpreted nor restrained by what I feel. One set of emotions will demand justice, another will excuse it as passion. It is an emotional argument that allows the murder of the unborn, and releases us from individual responsibility. Instead of thinking ourselves good or righteous, and saying, "hath God really said?" We should examine ourselves and ask, "What hath God said?"

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#174 With Promise

12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 NIV

I have thought much on this, as of late, and reflected upon my place as someone's son and what God's word has to say about it. For some, this is probably the place of their deepest hurts, disappointments, and unresolved matters of the heart. Who is more like the image of God in a child's eyes than the parent? We want their approval, need their affection, and for a time their disappointment is crushing. As I grew older, I esteemed my mom less, and I challenged her more. When I left to find my own way, in disregard of her rules, religion, and moral standards, I judged her for all mistakes both present and past. Why should a sinner have to listen to another sinner, and isn't my own way more fitting and less dated? I chose to be my own parent, to place my faith in myself, and to practice what was convenient.  The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes. 2Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts. 3To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice.…Proverbs 21:1-3

Were my mother's failures and inconsistencies grand enough to merit my rebelliousness or even so consistent that I should not hear her instruction? 6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6. No, it is a poor train of thought that rationalizes one's own behavior based upon another's. I wanted my own way, I hated authority, discipline and all else that challenged my arrogance. As a father now I look back and am amazed that a single mom did more to ensure that I knew about God than I have done for my own children. She made sure we made it to church, she prayed with us and for us. What of the children, you might ask, whose parents are not so wonderful? It is often the situation that the person in authority does not have the integrity that should be integral of the position. Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 1 Timothy 2:1-3NKJV. So we are instructed to pray for those in authority over us, and theirs is to hold up to the kind of integrity that ensures a quiet and peaceable life. A Christian may walk in the peace of God's rest and His work regardless of those who may not rule justly. The child directed by the parent to lie, steal or harm another, need not comply, but should respectfully decline. None the less, it is not opportunity to hate or despise, but rather intercede on behalf of the authority, go to the Father of the fatherless. And what of me, if I am in the vicinity of such a child? If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. 27Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:26-27. It always points back to the example of Christ and that is the life to be desired. SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH. 4Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:3&4. We are told that honoring our father and mother is the first commandment with promise, that it may be well with us. My mother tried to provide for us, loved me when I acted most unlovable and did me the greatest service of this life, in that she directed me towards things eternal. I pray for the children who have only felt pain or neglect from their earthly parents; we are all children.

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