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Saginaw, Michigan, United States
A sinner who may come before God because of Christ

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

That Which The Lord Hates part 5

(Proverbs 6:16-19) There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

The third thing that is an abomination to God - "hands that shed innocent blood".

What a powerful way to state opposition to murder. This is killing without just cause.

The first image my mind makes with the word "innocent" is that of a baby. They are innocent, totally reliant upon others for not only their basic needs but also for their existence. The cannot purposely cause harm to others, steal from them, lie to them. Their innocence comes from their vulnerability. They need us and most people automatically melt in the presence of a baby, holding so much potential.

To shed the blood of a child is a most despicable act to most right thinking people. It is hard to fathom that a baby could cause this reaction in another human being, but people murder when they cease to see others as human.

A woman on a radio talk show the other day was talking about her being undecided, the hose mentioned he could never vote for a supporter of abortion because that takes a human life. The woman interrupted and said "potential human life". That is a view that allows for the shedding of innocent blood.

Think of the tragedies brought by men to others - villages destroyed by soldiers, house invaders killing the occupants, heirs poisoning their elders. The Lord finds these an abomination.

But more chilling to us Christians is the concept laid forth in Matthew 21-22 where Jesus speaks:
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.". Our mere anger, where we want to kill someone we are angry with, is tantamount to the shedding of innocent blood.

Pretty sober thought. That is why we are to bring every thought captive to Christ! (2 Cor 10:5).
We are to be angry about sin, but not condemning the one committing the sin. It is not up to the Christian to bring the judgment of God to others by enforcing His commands. Our actions should be such that the sinner will see their sins and repent of them, just as we need to see our sins and repent of them (thou are repentance is to honor God as we have already been forgiven).

Let us stand firm in opposition to that which is an abomination before God. First in our lives, then in the world. Their struggle is as great as ours and only we offer the true hope - the one who will bring true and everlasting peace - our Lord, Jesus Christ.

For His Glory,
Tom

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