43.b. “Wilderness” – 7.i. Sinai – “You shall not murder.”

 

Exodus 20:13  “You shall not murder.

 Leviticus 24:21   Whoever kills an animal shall make it good, and whoever kills a person shall be put to death.

 Deuteronomy 19:13   Your eye shall not pity him, but you shall purge the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, so that it may be well with you.

 Psalms 10:8-11   He sits in ambush in the villages; in hiding places he murders the innocent. His eyes stealthily watch for the helpless;  he lurks in ambush like a lion in his thicket; he lurks that he may seize the poor; he seizes the poor when he draws him into his net.  The helpless are crushed, sink down, and fall by his might.  He says in his heart, “God has forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will never see it.”

 Proverbs 1:11   If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason;

 Proverbs 1:18   but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives.

 Isaiah 26:21   For behold, the LORD is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth will disclose the blood shed on it, and will no more cover its slain.

 1 Timothy 1:9   understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers,

 1 John 3:14-15   We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.  Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

Jesus carefully explained the heart of this commandment. He showed that it also prohibits us from hating someone else  because we can wish someone dead in our hearts, yet never have the nerve to commit the deed. Someone may not kill from a lack of courage or initiative, yet his or her heart is filled with hatred. (Guzik)

When God “set a mark upon Cain” (Genesis 4:15), He marked thereby His abhorrence of the murderer. The “seven precepts of Noah” included one which distinctly forbade the taking of human life (Genesis 9:6). In all countries and among all peoples, a natural instinct or an unwritten tradition placed murder among the worst of crimes, and made its penalty death. The Mosaic legislation on the point was differenced from others principally by the care it took to distinguish between actual murder, manslaughter (Exodus 21:13), death by misadventure (Numbers 35:23), and justifiable homicide (Exodus 22:2). Before, however, it made these distinctions, the great principle of the sanctity of human life required to be broadly laid down; and so the law was given in the widest possible terms—“Thou shalt not kill.” Exceptions were reserved till later. (Ellicott)

Thou shalt not do any thing hurtful to the health or life of thy own body, or any other’s. This doth not forbid our necessary defence, or the magistrates putting offenders to death; but it forbids all malice and hatred to any, for he that hateth his brother is a murderer, and all revenge arising therefrom; likewise anger, and hurt said or done, or aimed to be done, in a passion; of this our Saviour expounds this commandment, Matthew 5:22. (Benson)

The sixth commandment requires that we regard the life and the safety of others as we do our own. Magistrates and their officers, and witnesses testifying the truth, do not break this command. Self-defence is lawful; but much which is not deemed murder by the laws of man, is such before God. Furious passions, stirred up by anger or by drunkenness, are no excuse: more guilty is murder in duels, which is a horrible effect of a haughty, revengeful spirit. All fighting, whether for wages, for renown, or out of anger and malice, breaks this command, and the bloodshed therein is murder. To tempt men to vice and crimes which shorten life, may be included. Misconduct, such as may break the heart, or shorten the lives of parents, wives, or other relatives, is a breach of this command. This command forbids all envy, malice, hatred, or anger, all provoking or insulting language. The destruction of our own lives is here forbidden. This commandment requires a spirit of kindness, longsuffering, and forgiveness. (Henry)

Thou shalt not kill. Not meaning any sort of creatures, for there are some to be killed for the food and nourishment of men, and others for their safety and preservation; but rational creatures, men, women, and children, any of the human species, of every age, sex, condition, or nation; no man has a right to take away his own life, or the life of another; by this law is forbidden suicide, or self-murder, parricide or murder of parents, homicide or the murder of man; yet killing of men in lawful war, or in defence of a man’s self, when his own life is in danger, or the execution of malefactors by the hands or order of the civil magistrate, and killing a man at unawares, without any design, are not to be reckoned breaches of this law; but taking away the life of another through private malice and revenge, and even stabbing of a man’s character, and so all things tending to or designed for the taking away of life, and all plots, conspiracies, and contrivances for that purpose, even all sinful anger, undue wrath and envy, rancour of all mind, all malice in thought, word, or deed, are contrary to this precept, see Matthew 5:21 and which, on the other hand, requires that men should do all they can for the ease, peace, and preservation of the lives of men. (Gill)

You know the sings of the times when looting, destruction of property, violent demonstrations, killing, wounding, etc are not only tolerated but condoned, and when peaceful protests and public prayer for the unborn are deemed unacceptable, breaking the law, and deserving punishment. Abortion is murder. There is no love, mercy, kindness, or preservation of innocent life. 

The professionals at Planned Parenthood will work to get you the services you need, whether or not you have insurance. Our staff can also let you know if there is financial assistance available for your abortion and other related costs, like transportation. If there’s no Planned Parenthood health center near you, AbortionFinder.org can help you find a trustworthy abortion provider.

Abortion funds may be available to help you pay for your abortion. Abortion funds may also offer help with transportation, lodging, childcare, and other resources you may need to access abortion. The National Network of Abortion Funds connects people with organizations that can provide financial and logistical support for people getting abortions in the U.S.

Just because the culture makes murder of the unborn legal does not mean it is in the eyes of God. We think it very wrong to kill born babies in ritual sacrifice. This is recognized by everyone of sound mind, and yet, the unborn are legally sacrificed day after day. Globally, over 70 million are killed each year, and over 500,000 in the US. In the US there are ~198 abortions per 1,000 live births. Changing the name from murder of the unborn to “Women’s Choice” or “Rights” to make it legal does not make it right in God’s eyes. It is murder of the innocent unborn baby.

25.i. “Working together with him”

2 Chorinthians 6:1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

 Matthew 23:37     “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!

 Hebrews 12:25    See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.

 God wants us to be workers together with Him, not “couch potatoes” or “pew potatoes” together with Him. Instead of trying to get God to help us with our work, we need to find out what God’s work is, ask Him to help us carry it out, and do it with Him.  What does it mean to receive the grace of God in vain? It means to receive the goodness and favor of God, yet to hinder the work of grace in one’s life. It means to receive the favor of God and to fail in what Paul spoke of in 1 Corinthians 15:10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 

 Is God supposed to do it or am I supposed to do it? Many struggle with this. The answer is, “Yes!” God does it and we do it in obedience through Him. Trust God, rely on Him, and then get to work and work as hard as you can! That is how we see the work of God accomplished. If I neglect my end of the partnership, God’s grace doesn’t accomplish all that it might or could if I am an active, obedient, and willing worker, therefore the grace given to me is in vain. “God’s grace is always coming to my heart and life in the very wonderful and blessed experience of now. Yesterday’s grace is totally inadequate for the burden of today, and if I do not learn to lay hold of heavenly resources every day of my life for the little things as well as the big things, as a Christian I soon become stale, barren, and fruitless in the service of the Lord.” (Redpath)

Keep you from falling

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true;”

John 16:1  “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.  They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me.

Matthew 11:6    And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Matthew 13:21     yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.

Matthew 24:10     And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.

1 Peter 2:8     and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

Romans 9:32     Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone,  as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

They stumble because they disobey the word” !!!  – “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true“.  What is it that gives rise to the reason we stumble and disobey?  There seems to be a pattern throughout scripture where man sees the work of God’s hand and tastes the blessings of His grace, mercy, and love, but the rooting of this into their life does not hold.  Their life is consumed by the cares of this world and they become blind and deaf to God and His purpose and plan.  No one is immune to this happening.  Yet this is no excuse.  We are to be mindful of our sinful nature and it’s desire to reject things of God and place self and self interests first.  The path to this state is wide, inviting and enticing.  If we do not know of it’s path how are we to keep from going down it?  What are the signs of being on it? We can not assume this is recognized on our own.  the human lens we look through cannot focus on things of God.  It is only through the Holy Spirit, our helper!!!!!!! that we see clearly things of God.  His word is critical in being able to be led by the Holy Spirit.  With out His word being active in our life and being the light on the path to serving, honoring and glorifying  Him we are in the dark on the wide path that leads away from Him. Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through itBut small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. Beware of complacency and neglecting God’s word. Spend time in His word and know the way, truth and life.

The Great Shepherd

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”

Zechariah 11:4  Thus said the LORD my God: “Become shepherd of the flock doomed to slaughter.

Isaiah 49:4    But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the LORD, and my recompense with my God.”  And now the LORD says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him— for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and my God has become my strength—

Isaiah 40:9     Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!”  Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.  He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

Micah 5:4   And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.

Matthew 15:24     He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Jesus wants to be the shepherd of our lives.  He wants to lead us to safe pastures, guide us through life, and protect us from harm. We do well to listen to the whispers of the great shepherd and choose to follow Him in life.  There is so much distraction in our lives that, if we are not careful, it will put us on a path away from God.  Train yourself to stay close and listen to and follow this Great Shepherd.

Those who know Your name

“ And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.”

“But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.”

“ for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.”

Psalms 57:1  Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.

Psalms 142:1   With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD.

Psalms 56:1    Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me;

Psalms 69:13  But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.  Deliver me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters.  Let not the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the pit close its mouth over me.  Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.

Psalms 119: 76  Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.  Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.

Psalms 125:1   Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.

Psalms 17:7  Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.  Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,

Psalms 36:7    How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Psalms 61:4    Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!

Isaiah 50:10   Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.

Luke 13:34    O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!

Zechariah 1:4   Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets cried out, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.’ But they did not hear or pay attention to me, declares the LORD.

Nehemiah 9:30  Many years you bore with them and warned them by your Spirit through your prophets. Yet they would not give ear. Therefore you gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands.

Proverbs 1:24  Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,  because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof,  I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you,  when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.  Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me.  Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD,  would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof,

You can see the heart of man that calls out to God, has these attributes: relies on God, trusts in God, clings to God, believes in God, obeys God, seeks God, delights in God, and finds comfort, rest, peace, joy and hope in God.  On the other hand we can see the heart of those who choose not to stay close to God and do exactly the opposite. How much do we rely on God?  Do we delight in His word and the direction it gives to our daily lives?  Do we discern what it is saying and rejoice in the promises of God?  Do we acknowledge God’s reproof and conviction in our lives?  Do we choose to hear His voice? Do we seek His leading?  Replace the “We” in all of the questions above with “I”.  Truthful answers will expose where we are lacking in humbly serving, giving, following, honoring, and obeying God. Every commitment starts with a purpose/goal and choice to change and prioritize time for it, frequent reflection and focus.  Commit to Him and His word.  Commit to humbly serving, honoring, following, obeying Him with all you heart, soul, and mind.