His Image – Genesis 9:6

Wake Up Call

What is the end result of the ultimate violence? I note what God told Noah and his family after they came out of the ark after the flood. He says: “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed.”(Genesis 9:6)

Nobody would dispute it has played out exactly that way in the centuries ever since. In fact, just yesterday an international terrorist was killed with a car bombing. He has been targeted for assassination for more than twenty years because of all the people he has killed. That won’t be the end though. His followers promise to retaliate with killing to avenge his death.

It may seem too obvious to us to ask but in God’s view, why is murder so bad and why does it carry a curse? God actually explains Himself on the subject. He gives this reason: “For in the image of God He made man.” (Verse 6b) Ultimately, murder is an affront to God who makes each person in His own image. In a certain way, it’s like trying to kill God; at the very least it is a deep disrespect of Him in his creation.

I’ve never felt like killing anyone but to be honest I’ve entertained violence just short of it. I’ve certainly yelled ‘Raca’ times untold. Jesus said that whoever says ‘Raca’ which means empty-headed or good for nothing “shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, ’you fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.” (Matthew 5:22) Gulp!

When violence begins to bubble up, do I really want to start down a road leading only to a curse? If I love God why would I ever disrespect HIS IMAGE?

 

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