7 Things God Hates - Message 3 – Hands That Shed Innocent Blood
The discussion centers on the grave matter of shedding innocent blood, a sin that commands the utmost seriousness within the context of divine displeasure. We delve into the profound implications of this act, which transcends the mere physicality of murder to encompass the emotional and spiritual harm inflicted upon others. Through biblical narratives, we explore the consequences borne by figures such as Cain and David, illustrating how anger, jealousy, and betrayal can lead to irrevocable outcomes. Moreover, we emphasize that the roots of such violence are found in one's heart, as Jesus elucidated, warning us that even harboring anger towards others brings forth judgment. Ultimately, we are called to introspection and reconciliation, urging listeners to reflect on their own actions and the necessity of seeking forgiveness and peace within their relationships.
The podcast delves into a critical analysis of the sixth commandment, 'You shall not murder,' found in Exodus 20:13, and its contemporary relevance. The speaker initiates a discourse on the multifaceted nature of violence, emphasizing that the act of shedding innocent blood transcends the mere physical act of murder. Through scriptural references, we are confronted with the sobering truth that Jesus redefined the parameters of this commandment, warning that even harboring anger towards others can render one subject to judgment. This nuanced understanding compels us to examine the condition of our hearts, as the roots of violence often lie in unchecked emotions.
The narrative unfolds with biblical illustrations, such as the tragic story of Cain and Abel, which serves as an archetype of jealousy leading to murder. Furthermore, the discussion highlights King David’s orchestration of Uriah’s death as a profound example of betrayal and premeditated violence, illustrating how moral failure can have devastating repercussions. The speaker poignantly highlights that these stories are not merely historical accounts; they resonate with the ongoing struggles within human hearts today. The ultimate act of shedding innocent blood—the crucifixion of Jesus—is presented as the epitome of this sin, where the innocent Lamb of God was sacrificed by the very people He came to save.
As the conversation progresses, the speaker articulates the reasons for God’s abhorrence towards shedding innocent blood, firmly rooted in His creation of humanity in His image. The ensuing consequences of this sin—judgment, guilt, and separation from God—serve as a profound reminder of the weight of our actions. Listeners are led to a place of reflection, where they are encouraged to assess their own lives for signs of anger, resentment, and the potential for violence. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to seek God’s forgiveness and to actively pursue peace and reconciliation in their relationships, thus embodying the call to be peacemakers in a tumultuous world. This thorough examination not only serves to educate but also to transform hearts towards a divine purpose of love and compassion.
Takeaways:
- The act of shedding innocent blood is regarded as one of the most egregious offenses against God's creation.
- Murder, according to Jesus, extends beyond the physical act to encompass anger and hatred towards others.
- The consequences of shedding innocent blood include judgment, guilt, and a separation from God that is spiritually detrimental.
- Every individual is created in the image of God, thus every act of violence is an affront to the Creator Himself.
- Emotional and spiritual harm, alongside physical murder, constitutes the broader definition of shedding innocent blood.
- To prevent the escalation of anger into violence, one must seek immediate reconciliation and forgiveness in all relationships.
Transcript
You shall not murder.
Speaker A:Exodus 20, verse 13.
Speaker A:Welcome back, brothers and sisters, to our series on the seven things God hates.
Speaker A:So far, we've dealt with pride, the sin that makes you think you're better than God, and lying, the sin that makes you speak the devil's language.
Speaker A:Today, we're tackling a serious one.
Speaker A:Hands that shed innocent blood.
Speaker A:Now, you might be sitting there thinking, well, at least this does not apply to me.
Speaker A:I have never killed anyone.
Speaker A:But don't get comfortable just yet.
Speaker A:Jesus raised the stakes when he said in Matthew 5, 21, 22, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, you shall not murder.
Speaker A:And anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.
Speaker A:But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to to judgment.
Speaker A:Murder begins in the heart, and God takes it seriously.
Speaker A:So let's roll up our sleeves and get into the message.
Speaker A:Hands that shed innocent blood.
Speaker A:What does it mean to shed innocent blood?
Speaker A:On the surface, shedding innocent blood refers to the act of murder, taking a life unjustly.
Speaker A:It's one of the most heinous sins because it attacks the image of God.
Speaker A:Genesis 9, 6 says, Whoever sheds human blood by humans shall their blood be shed.
Speaker A:For in the image of God has God made mankind?
Speaker A:When you harm another person, you're attacking the Creator himself.
Speaker A:It's like vandalizing, a priceless work of art.
Speaker A:Jesus broadened the definition.
Speaker A:So let's go deeper.
Speaker A:Shedding innocent blood isn't just about physical murder.
Speaker A:It includes character assassination, destroying someone's reputation with gossip or slander, spiritual harm, leading others into sin through your actions or your influence.
Speaker A:And there's neglecting justice, turning a blind eye to the oppression or harm of the vulnerable.
Speaker A:Here are some biblical examples of shedding innocent blood.
Speaker A:The Bible gives us vivid examples of this sin, this Cain and abel in Genesis 4, 1:10.
Speaker A:Now, Cain, out of jealousy and anger, killed his brother Abel.
Speaker A:God said to him, what have you done?
Speaker A:Listen, your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground.
Speaker A:Cain didn't just kill Abel.
Speaker A:He silenced a life that God had created for his glory.
Speaker A:There's also the story of King David and Uriah.
Speaker A:In 2 Samuel, verse 11, David orchestrated the death of Uriah to cover up his sin with Bathsheba.
Speaker A:This wasn't just a murder.
Speaker A:It was premeditated betrayal.
Speaker A:David's actions brought judgment on his household.
Speaker A:And there's the story of Jesus Christ in Matthew 27, 24, 26.
Speaker A:Now, the ultimate example of shedding innocent blood is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Speaker A:Pilate washed his hands, but the crowd shouted, his blood is on us and on our children.
Speaker A:They condemned the only true innocent man to die.
Speaker A:Now why does God hate shedding innocent blood?
Speaker A:God is the creator and sustainer of life.
Speaker A:He values every life because each person is made in his image.
Speaker A:Shedding innocent blood is not just a crime against humanity.
Speaker A:It is a sin against God Himself.
Speaker A:The consequences of shedding innocent blood are dire.
Speaker A:1.
Speaker A:Judgment.
Speaker A:God will not let this sin go unpunished.
Speaker A: Go read Deuteronomy: Speaker A:2.
Speaker A:There's guilt and shame.
Speaker A:Cain became a restless wanderer after killing Abel.
Speaker A:Sin always leaves scars.
Speaker A:And then there's separation from God.
Speaker A:Shedding blood puts a barrier between you and God, as seen in Isaiah 59.
Speaker A:2:3.
Speaker A:Your iniquities have separated you from God.
Speaker A:Your sins have hidden his face from you so that he will not hear, for your hands are stained with blood.
Speaker A:Then there is the spirit behind violence.
Speaker A:Behind the shedding of innocent blood is the spirit of violence and hatred.
Speaker A:This spirit thrives on anger, jealousy and revenge.
Speaker A:Jesus warned us about the root of violence, anger.
Speaker A:In Matthew 5:22 he said, Anyone who is angry with a brother or a sister will be subject to judgment.
Speaker A:Unchecked.
Speaker A:Anger and hatred are the seeds that grow into violence.
Speaker A:If you're harboring bitterness, you are giving the enemy a foothold in your life.
Speaker A:Ephesians 4:26 27 tells us now how to avoid shedding innocent blood.
Speaker A:Firstly, deal with anger immediately.
Speaker A:Ephesians 4:26 27 says, in your anger, do not sin.
Speaker A:Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Speaker A:Anger is a natural emotion, brothers and sisters, but it must be resolved quickly and righteously.
Speaker A:You need to value all life.
Speaker A: ,: Speaker A:Whether it's the unborn, the marginalized, or even your enemies, every life matters to God.
Speaker A:You also need to seek reconciliation.
Speaker A:Matthew 5:23 24 teaches us that if you're in conflict with someone, you must seek retaliation before offering your gift to God.
Speaker A:Forgiveness breaks the cycle of hatred and violence.
Speaker A:Now, there was someone who once said, I may not be a killer, but I thought about murder during traffic.
Speaker A:Look, we all have those moments.
Speaker A:That co worker, that cousin, that one person at church who makes you want to speak in unknown tongues of violence.
Speaker A:But you've got to catch it early.
Speaker A:You don't need a body count to be a blood spiller.
Speaker A:Just a bitter heart.
Speaker A:Here are some reflection questions.
Speaker A:Have I ever harmed someone physically, emotionally or spiritually through my actions or inactions?
Speaker A:Are there people I need to forgive to prevent anger from turning into hatred?
Speaker A:And what is one way I can begin to repair what I may have broken?
Speaker A:Let us pray.
Speaker A:Lord, I come to you with open hands.
Speaker A:Search them.
Speaker A:Cleanse me of violence, of anger, of hidden hatred.
Speaker A:Where I have harmed others.
Speaker A:Show me the way to make it right.
Speaker A:Thank you.
Speaker A:That through the blood of Jesus my own bloody hands can be washed clean.
Speaker A:Make me a builder of peace, not a breaker of lives.
Speaker A:In Jesus name, amen.
Speaker A:Brothers and sisters, check your hands.
Speaker A:Better yet, ask the Holy Spirit to check them for you.
Speaker A:Innocent blood cries out to God, but repentant blood stained hands are redeemed by the cross.
Speaker A:In the next message, we will deal with a heart that devises wicked schemes.
Speaker A:That one.
Speaker A:Oh, it's for the plotters, the schemers, the manipulators and the church folk who smile while plotting your downfall.
Speaker A:You don't want to miss it.
