Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount…
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder (Exodus 20:13), and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. Matthew 5:22
These are Jesus’ words not mine. To make sure everyone understands what Jesus is saying, let me summarize.
Murder is bad and subject to judgment of God.
Anger is bad and subject to the judgment of God.
Insulting others is bad and subject to the judgment of God and human authorities.
Calling someone a fool is bad and subject to the judgment of God.
Are we on the same page? Do you see how clear this instruction is?
If this isn’t clear, then God responds clearly through the words of Isaiah…
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Isaiah 5:20-21
God is very transparent in the words of Jesus (who is God) and through Isaiah the prophet. This is God’s Word for the ages (which includes us).
Now let’s apply God’s Word to our lives.
I have witnessed the ugliness of people’s words regarding the killing of the single mom in Minneapolis this past week.
As people of faith, this death should break our hearts because it breaks God’s heart. Using limited and flawed legal arguments as well as words like “justified” are distasteful.
Are these the same arguments and words one will use when facing God to explain their hardness of heart or even glee at this tragedy?
Unneeded loss of life or unneeded cruelty (according to Jesus) is subject to judgment.
I encourage everyone who reads this article to check their heart and see if it aligns with God’s will? Do you have a heart of stone or a heart of flesh? (See Ezekiel 36:26-27)
It is a time of mourning in God’s Kingdom.
There is a reason Jesus calls people to repentance… to change. He calls us to let go of hate, ugliness and cruelty and step in the light of love.
God bless you,
Pastor Ben