Nougat 6

The commandments that we’ll reflect on next are straightforward. In fact, the framing is used in secular society to signify an imperative. Of course, for some of us there’s nothing like the King James’ Version for it to feel like it’s God’s personal, handed-down-from-Mt-Sinai-directly-to-Moses Commandments. Those of us who have that approach need to hear the framing as ‘Thou Shalt Not’.

Let’s reflect on the first of these imperative commandments as we consider Today’s Holy Nougat

Exodus 20:13 NLT

[13] “You must not murder.

You Shall Not Murder

We see then, that essentially, the Ten Commandments are God’s rules of what we can and cannot do. Given that murder was the first major sin after Adam and Eve opted for self, rather than God-reliance, it is perhaps unsurprising that YHWH’s first negative imperative is, Do Not Kill, actually – Do not murder. Or, even more simply Murder Not. With Femicide (killing of women and girls because of their gender) on the increase, and the number of brutal murders against males also high, we realize that this commandment has been violated more times than anyone cares to count.

The life count of civilians and soldiers lost in the various conflicts in recent times is staggering, and the arguments for a distinction between killing and murder seems somewhat superfluous, as missiles, bombs, guns, and various other weaponry don’t stop to ask, ‘civilian or military’. Like God’s rain, they fall on the good and bad.

We could also get into debates about the death penalty, abortions and the like, but there’s another aspect of murder that is also like us to consider.

In Matthew 5:22, Y’shua adds a new dimension to the murder prohibition – Y’shua says,

… But I say, if you are even angry with someone without cause, you are subject to judgement. If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. [Ouch]

Self-Check

Have you been guilty of any of those other considerations? How do Y’shua’s words affect our sense of obedience?

Application

For me, Y’shua is clear. The physical act of murder is not permitted. But neither are those actions thatform the base for murder. In Genesis 4, Cain’s actions were premeditated, in response to built up anger. Y’shua warns us against harbouring any kind of ill against another. He extends the commandment to say a follower of Christ must be engaged in ministries of reconciliation.

I’m tempted to erase that bit, for I hate to have to reconcile with others, more so when I know they’re in the wrong. Y’shua says, ‘Peace reconcile!’

Siblings, like the rich young ruler, I am ready to say I’ve never murdered anyone … well, maybe a character or two … or more. But we’re called to an even higher standard. Murder says ‘I can’t see in you God’s likeness.’ The words and attitudes Y’shua warned us against say the same. They say we can’t affirm the sanctity of life, that we have greater authority than YHWH to destroy that which YHWH has created.

Is there cause to repent of our ‘murderous’ thoughts or actions?

Assignment

Before our next act of Praise, let’s examine our hearts … see if they’d cause to repent of murder.

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May all we seek be found in Christ