AT JESUS FEET: MURDER & ANGER
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:21-26
Jesus reminds his disciples about the sixth commandment from Exodus 20:13 “You shall not murder”. The Hebrew word (Rasah) is used here, which involves premeditation, and deliberateness of intention. This word does not apply to killing animals, or defending ones home or nation. Jesus concern is not only the external act of murder, but also the internal intentions of the heart. It was a personal and public humiliation to call someone (Raca) which meant empty head. To be called “a fool” in the Jewish culture meant that one acted continually like an idiot or moron. Anger and hatred in the heart are the source of murder, suicide, and name calling. The penalty for murder was death (Numbers 35:31), but Jesus tells us that there is also judgment for the one who is angry with his brother. A person could be called before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish court) for insulting and degrading a fellow Jew. Today people are taken to court for the slander of another human being. To be in danger of the fire of hell, denotes a possibility of God’s final judgment. Thankfully, there is an antidote to this anger and hatred in the heart. God is more pleased with forgiveness and reconciliation with a brother or sister, than receiving our gifts and offerings. With God’s help we are to settle matters quickly before they become a wedge in our personal and public relationships with others.
Prayer: Lord, let me see the value in every person you have created. Help me to be caring and loving as I relate to others. Especially lord, help me to choose forgiveness whenever I feel offended by another.
Scripture Verse: Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. John 3:15
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