Violence against Human Life, Perversion of Justice, and other Aggressions

Opening Reading 

9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Peace!” They came up and took hold of his feet as they fell down in front of him. (Mathew 28:9)

Introduction 

This message seeks to address the pandemic of violence and aggression in the world. It will attempt to do this by letting scriptures speak directly. Comments are going to be limited.

Some Verses treating Violence

A. 8 One time, when they were in the field, Cain turned on Abel his brother and killed him. (Genesis 4:8)

B. 5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repented me that I have made them. 

C. 13 “Do not murder". (Exodus 20: 13) *The sixth of the Ten Commandments.

D. 16 “Do not give false evidence against your neighbor. (Exodus 20: 16) *The ninth of the Ten Commandments.

E. The New Testament outlaws murder and lists it as one of the sins.  

John The Baptist on Security Personnel (the military, the police, etc.) 

14 Some soldiers asked him, “What about us? What should we do?” To them he said, “Don’t intimidate anyone, don’t accuse people falsely, and be satisfied with your pay.” (Luke 3:14)

What happens when a Life is Wrongfully Terminated? 

A.      9 Adonai said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he replied, “I don’t know; am I my brother’s guardian?” 10 He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground!" (Genesis 4:9-10) 

 B.    10 They (the souls who were killed for proclaiming the Word of God) cried out in a loud voice, “Sovereign Ruler, Holy and True, how long will it be before you judge the people living on earth and avenge our blood?” (Revelations 6:10)

God's Justice

A. 11 Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood at your hands. 12 When you farm the ground it will no longer yield its strength to you. You will be a fugitive, wandering the earth.” (Genesis 4:11-12)

B. 23 Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence. 24 Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess their houses: I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease; and their holy places shall be defiled. 25 Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none. 26 Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumor shall be upon rumor; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients. 27 The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I am the Lord. (Ezekiel 7: 23-27) *Note: The cited prophecy was spoken to Israel in the Old Testament and was directly relevant to them. The lesson here is that people who act similarly will suffer like fate.  

C. For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him (Psalm 12:5).

Government's Authority, Duty and Responsibility to exact Justice

A. 4 He (the government) is God’s servant, there as an avenger to punish wrongdoers. (Romans 13:4)

B. 8 (9) But the greatest advantage to the country is when the king makes himself a servant to the land. (Ecclesiastes 5:8) 

C. 11 Because the punishment decreed for an evil act is not promptly carried out; therefore people who plan to do evil are strengthened in their intentions. (Ecclesiastes 8:11)

D. 6 Whoever sheds human blood, by a human being will his own blood be shed; for God made human beings in his image. (Genesis 9:6)

Individual and Collective Duty and Responsibility to Defend the Rights of the Weak, Helpless, Poor and less Privileged

8 Speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves, for the rights of all who need an advocate. 9 Speak up, judge righteously, defend the cause of the poor and the needy. (Proverbs 31: 8-9)

 7 (8) If you see the poor oppressed, rights violated and justice perverted in the province, don’t be surprised; for a high official has one higher watching him, and there are others above them. (Ecclesiastes 5: 7)

Don’t stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is at stake; I am .(Lev.19.16)

Command and Duty to not Participate in Murder

My son, if sinners entice you,
don’t go along with them.
11 Suppose they say, “Come with us:
we’ll ambush somebody and kill him,
we’ll waylay some harmless soul, just for fun;
12 we’ll swallow him alive, like Sheol,
whole, like those who descend to the pit;
13 
15 My son, don’t go along with them,
don’t set foot on their path;
16 Their feet run to evil,
they rush to shed blood.
17 they are ambushing themselves
to shed their own blood, waylaying themselves. (Proverbs 1: 10-12, 15-18)

Command and Duty to not Help Murderer(s)

If someone is burdened with the blood of another,
let that killer be a fugitive until death;
let no one offer assistance. (Proverbs 28:17)

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Encouragement  

11 Therefore, encourage each other, and build each other up — just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Conclusion 

37 On hearing this, they were stung in their hearts; and they said to Peter and the other emissaries (apostles), “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter answered them, “Turn from sin, return to God, and each of you be immersed (baptized) on the authority of Jesus the Messiah into forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost! 39 For the promise is for you, for your children, and for those far away — as many as Adonai our God may call!” (Acts 2:37-39)