Ezra and Psalm 119

Our lack of esteem for the Word of God stems from the fact that we do not see things as God sees them. When the nation of Judah returned from captivity, there was one man who saw things from a heavenly perspective. His name was Ezra. He is the author of Psalm 119. He was a treasure chest of God’s word. The heart in his chest was a treasure chest for the Word.

We look at the world through our heart. If our heart is longing for the things of this world, then we see the value of things from that perspective. (Colossians 3:1-2[notes1] ) If our desire is for the comfort of possessions and security of riches, then we interpret what we observe through that filter. That is the vision of fallen man because that is the heart of fallen man, self-reliance.

But for the children of God whose hearts are transformed, their eyes should see through that renewed heart. The heart of the believer values Jesus above all else. Nothing can compare or even come close. The old nature within us is tempted at times to seek satisfaction in the things that once satisfied us, and there is pleasure in sin for a season. The season quickly passes and then we are just left with the guilt of betraying our Savior for something so meaningless.

Ezra’s vision was one of faith. Though he did not know of the full revelation of Jesus, he saw the greatness of the coming Messiah in the Word. Jesus is the Word made flesh. (John 1:14[notes2] ) To love Him is to love the Word. He saw the value of the Word because his heart was set on God.

Listen to the value he placed on Scripture. Psalm 119:14 (ESV) ¹⁴ In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. Psalm 119:72 (ESV) ⁷² The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. Psalm 119:127 (ESV) ¹²⁷ Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold. He prayed that the lens of his heart would always be to value the word above all else. Psalm 119:36 (ESV) ³⁶ Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!

Ezra repeatedly used a number of descriptive words to describe his attitude toward God’s Word. He used terms like “my delight”, “long for”,  “stand in awe of”, and even “love exceedingly”.  Ezra was a treasure chest of God’s Word because his heart valued the Word so highly. He stored up that treasure in His heart. (Psalm 119:24[notes3] ; 47[notes4] ; 77[notes5] ; 40[notes6] ; 131[notes7] ; 120[notes8] ; 161[notes9] ; 167[notes10] )

The Word in his heart translated into action. It was because he saw the Word through that lens of his heart that he meditated in, kept, observed, sang about, found counsel in and comfort from it. 15[notes11] ; 48[notes12] ; 34[notes13] ; 172[notes14] ; 24[notes15] ; 52[notes16] )

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

[notes2] Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV)

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

[notes3] Psalm 119:24 (ESV)

24 Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.

[notes4] Psalm 119:47 (ESV)

47 for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.

[notes5] Psalm 119:77 (ESV)

77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.

[notes6] Psalm 119:40 (ESV)

40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!

[notes7] Psalm 119:131 (ESV)

131 I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments.

[notes8] Psalm 119:120 (NIV)

120 My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.

[notes9] Psalm 119:161 (ESV)

161 SIN and SHIN Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.

[notes10] Psalm 119:167 (ESV)

167 My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly.

[notes11] Psalm 119:15 (ESV)

15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.

[notes12] Psalm 119:48 (ESV)

48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.

[notes13] Psalm 119:34 (ESV)

34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.

[notes14] Psalm 119:172 (ESV)

172 My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right.

[notes15] Psalm 119:24 (ESV)

24 Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.

[notes16] Psalm 119:52 (ESV)

52 When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD.

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1 Go over the first five words from memory.

Can you do it? I’ll put the abbreviated form at the bottom. Remember the picture hints.

2 How did Jesus sum up the last five?

Love your neighbor as yourself.

3 How did Jesus expand on the sixth?

To hate was equivalent of murder; to insult or to call someone a fool (reprobate) was bad enough to be brought before  judges.

4 On what are these laws based?

These basic moral laws are derived from the nature and character of God. Without God there is no basis for morality.

5 What is the technical definition of 7? Jesus definition?

To lie with a another man’s wife. Jesus said we are guilty when we entertain thoughts of lust toward another. He took it to the issue of the heart where sin begins.

6 How do we resist temptation?

Capture your thoughts 2Corinthians 10:5 and make them submit to Jesus. Stay in the Word. Submit to the Holy Spirit.

7 What is in the heart of someone who breaks the eighth command?

That God made a mistake to give that thing to another person and not to entrust it to you. It is a lack of trust in God.

8 What is the technical meaning of 9? The broad meaning?

To tell a lie in court about your neighbor. The broader meaning is to deceive another for your own gain.

9 What causes us to break the tenth?

We are not being satisfied with God, so we seek satisfaction in things.

10 How can we recall each command?

Remember the pictures (1 for God is #1; 2 as someone bowing to an idol; 3 as lips that take God’s name in vain; 4 as someone standing and praying as they remember the Sabbath; 5 in the middle honoring God by honoring your parents; 6 as a bomb- murder; 7 as the crack in a broken heart- adultery; 8 as the mask of a burgler – do not steal; 9 on its back lying down – do not lie; and 10 as a door cracked open with someone peering through at a diamond ring.

11 What purpose does the Law serve?

It shows us our great need for a Savior. It is the teacher that brings us to Jesus.

12 Explain fear in verse 20.

Don’t fear that God is out to destroy us, but fear the consequences and justice that sin merits.

I hope you will see that the 10 Commandments are not just a thing of the past, but the moral basis for all we do. If you wonder about whether something is right or not see how it relates to the character of God revealed in these commands.

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Ezra (Psalm 119)

There are television programs and magazine articles that tell of finding treasure amongst garage sale items. The unwitting seller has been living with some treasure handed down from previous generations but had no idea of the value of the item. The buyer is a savvy antique dealer looking for rare items of value. The story usually has the buyer unsure of the actual value and then shocked to find out it is worth even more than he dreamed. There is actually a proverb about this. ¹⁴ “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase. Proverbs 20:14 (NIV)

The seller was living with a treasure and wasn’t aware of it. Unfortunately, that is how most Christians live with the Word of God. We are told it is a treasure, but we just don’t live like we believe it or test it to see its true value. We often say we believe it is the unfailing Word of God, His love letter to us, but then we rarely read it or make use of the treasure within. We are like the man living with the valuable antique not truly realizing its worth.

One couple bought an old fixer upper back East. As they were demolishing a wall, a huge cache of coins came pouring out. Apparently a former owner generations earlier had used the wall as a kind of safe, and had died without telling anyone about it. The coins were so old, and many so rare, that they more than paid for the purchase of the home. How many owners of that house had lived with a treasure and not even known it?

Jesus told a story about a man who found a treasure buried in a field. He went and sold everything he had to buy the field to obtain the treasure. (Matthew 13:44[notes1] ) Is that your attitude toward the Word of God? Do you realize the treasure that you are living with?

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

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But first, one more vacation blog. My dive master’s name was a Hebrew name. On one of the last dives I asked him if he knew the story behind his name.  He knew the Bible story.  I reminded him of the high calling on the life of the man he was named after. He confided in me that he went to church as a youth but had too many questions.

Then he said it was funny I had asked, as his mom had been asking him to go to church with her. Well, we know I was just probably being an answer to prayers his mother was praying. I reminded him that the 5th command promises a long life to those that honor their parents, so he should go to honor her.  He added, “And get some of those questions answered.”  I agreed.

Then he told me he had found peace in diving and seeing God’s creation underwater. I told him about Romans 1:20. Of course the Bible is a much clearer revelation and something we are less likely to misinterpret.  So say a prayer for this young man, that he follows through and does get those answers. I want to be more aware of those divine appointments and have my ear open to the Lord to know just what He would say to them at that point in their journey.

Tomorrow we’ll be back into the daily blog routine and have the answers to the questions on the last 6 commands.

I’ll try to include some dive pictures when my daughter gets some time to send them to me. Diving is a peaceful experience for me too. Watching the world underwater around a reef is so fascinating. The variety of shapes and colors is incredible. It’s like a bunch of worlds all thrown together. Why does the balloon fish hide in front of a giant moray eel? Why don’t those little nurseries of baby fish get gobbled up? How does that reef shark breathe while laying so still for so long? How does the octopus change color? How do dolphins sleep? It’s all so amazing. I’m looking forward to watching that Disney movie on the Oceans.

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We met our grandkids who came a few days before us. They had fun in the kids water park at the resort and on the beach. We also took a day to go snorkeling at Xel Ha. They enjoyed that the most.

This time we stayed at Sandos Caracoal. The staff is fantastic, but since we’ve stayed at a number of other places over the years, this was kind of a step down for us spoiled Americans. There was really no snorkeling from the beach here. The water is too shallow and murky. It’s a great kids beach though. The food at the specialty restaurants was pretty good but the regular buffet was not quite as good as other places we’ve stayed. The power went out twice in our room and without air, this time of year is very hot and muggy. They finally discovered the fan in the bathroom was shorting out so they disabled it. We paid a little more and upgraded to the select club which was definitely worth it. They have internet which I’m using, separate beach area with cool beach beds with shade, and an extra pool and dining area with great service.

Most of the resort is under construction. If we’d have known that we would have chosen Barcelo Palace instead. It has the kids water park, better food and snorkeling, but the total price is a little more.

Best part of the vacation is quality time with the grandkids! The Wallace boys both got their swimming skills vastly improved.  Best of all was reading a very timely book by John Bevere, Under Cover.  It is about authority, something we Americans have such a hard time with. I rarely find a book that is all based on Scripture that teaches me new insights. This one did. I couldn’t stop reading it and will definitely recommend it to the elders and several leaders in the church.  I’ll probably do a sermon or two on it so it will show up later in the blogs – that is, the main points in sermon form.

I also really enjoyed the dive at Sabalos.  Got to see a couple sharks, lots of speckled morays, nice big sea turtle, big crab, and a good variety of tropical fish. I got bit several times by a little tropical fish protecting its nest. I should end the trip with a total of 70 dives, 8 on this trip, a total of over 2 days under water!

Worst part, Montezuma did get his revenge on 5 of us, which wiped us out for a few days. It is very hot and humid and the resort is built around a cenote, or maybe it’s more like a swamp. It’s cool to see the fresh water turtles but not the mosquitoes.  But who can really complain when you are enjoying the Caribbean with grandkids and diving?  Too blessed! Thankful indeed!

At certain times of the year you can get these nice resorts on the beach  for around $100 a day per person which includes all your meals, nice room, airfare and ground transportation. You don’t need to tip as it is supposedly included, but we do. Other than that you can lock your wallet in the room safe. Great service, entertainment, and chance to meet people from all over the world included.

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¹⁸ Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off ¹⁹ and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.” We have casually gone through the commands of God and for most it’s just more Bible study blogs. But remember, they were hearing the voice of God. The ground was shaking, the mountain was smoking, and God’s voice thundered.

Their response was to ask Moses to be their priest. “You go meet with God and tell us what He says. It’s just too frightening for us!” In one sense, that is what God wanted. (Deuteronomy 5:28[notes1] ) He wanted them to trust Moses was hearing God. He wanted us to see in Moses the need for our Great High Priest, Jesus. He is the one that would make the intimacy God desired with mankind possible, through His death for our sins. Now we can truly become a kingdom of priests. (1Peter 2:9-10[notes2] )

²⁰ Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” Don’t fear but do fear. Don’t fear that God is an angry, judgmental, destroyer of life. He’s not your enemy. He has come to teach you to fear His justice upon sin. It is His love for you that wants you to live in the freedom of His laws. It is His love that desires that your life be free from the consequences of sin. Fear His justice, but don’t fear His intentions toward you. He longs for you to find life in Him. (2Peter 3:9[notes3] ) He longs to be first in your life. He desires to make you His treasure and that you have access to Him at all times. (Matthew 11:28-30[notes4] )

While the people stood back from the mountain, trembling in fear, Moses went into the thick darkness of the cloud and received the words of the covenant. Later, He will go up to receive the tablets carved with the finger of God and receive instructions for the building of the Tabernacle.

The very next instructions are about worship. Through sacrifice the people would look forward to the One who would give them access to God without the fear of judgment. Sacrifice pointed to the need of judgment and the severity of sin. The stones of the altar of worship were not to be chiseled, but natural stone. It pointed to the salvation having nothing to do with man’s work. It would all be of God who would provide the perfect lamb that would take away the sins of the world. (John 1:29[notes5] )

We could never keep these 10 rules. Jesus kept them in our place, and then took the judgment we deserve for breaking God’s basic rules. In accepting what He did for us, we find we have been made right with God. We have access to His throne without fear. We strive to keep the commands because our hearts have been changed. Will you memorize them? Will you meditate upon them?

28 And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.

[notes2] 1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV)

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

[notes3] 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)

9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

[notes4] Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

[notes5] John 1:29 (ESV)

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

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Finally, the last of the ten is the clincher. ¹⁷ “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.” Covet means to intensely desire something for your own. God looks upon the heart. This why Jesus said that even to look on a woman to lust after her is adultery. This is the root of thievery, a heart craving after something that belongs to another.

God desires for us to find our contentment in Him. When our hearts are satisfied in Him, when the first commands are truly kept from the heart, we don’t have the need to see things in this life as a source of satisfaction.  (1Timothy 6:6[notes1] ) If we are satisfied with God, we don’t make idols out of His creation. We take time to be with Him. We won’t be lusting after another’s wife or stealing to obtain things or lying to advance our self over others. (Hebrews 13:5[notes2] )

When the rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked the way to eternal life, Jesus told him to keep the commands. Matthew 19:18-20 (ESV)¹⁸ He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, ¹⁹ Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ²⁰ The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?”

Did you notice Jesus quoted all the relational commands except for the last one? The young ruler was outwardly perfect, but inwardly his heart craved the security of wealth. Jesus answer was to give his wealth away to break the covetousness in his heart. If greed is your vice, kill it by finding the joy in giving… “and come follow me.” (Luke 12:15[notes3] )

You can remember command number ten is not to covet by thinking of the number one as a door cracked open with two eyes staring through at a big diamond ring that is the zero.

Coveting things is trying to fill the void in our hearts that only God can fill. You can’t keep the commands unless your heart is filled with God. The Law is our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. (Galatians 3:24[notes4] ) It shows us the basic level of goodness/Godness to reveal how lost we are. Then we know we need a Savior.

Some of you saw the Way of the Master program that was the inspiration for the numbers as pictures to memorize the commands. Ray Comfort approaches people and asks them if they are going to heaven. He goes through a few of the commands with them and as they confess that they have broken them, he explains that they are lying, murdering, adulterers. Then he shares the way of salvation. I wouldn’t recommend that method on everyone. My conviction is that we need the leading of the Holy Spirit rather than a formula, but Ray’s point is valid. People aren’t likely to come to Christ unless they see how desperately they need Him.

5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

6 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment,

[notes2] 1 Timothy 6:5-6 (ESV)

5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

6 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment,

[notes3] Luke 12:15 (ESV)

15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

[notes4] Galatians 3:24 (ESV)

24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.

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¹⁵ “You shall not steal. Theft is taking something God has put in another’s care. It is really saying that God made a mistake in giving it to them. It is rebelliously declaring, “I should be the custodian.” It is the same selfishness as adultery. It is saying, “That person should be mine and not their spouse’s. God made a mistake in allowing them to marry. He or she should belong to me.” Whether an object or a person or even ideas, to take what belongs to another is really selfishly rebelling against God’s providence. As with the other commands, we can see that the contemplation of the heart is just as important as the action itself.

An easy way to remember this is to picture a burglar’s mask. It is the shape of an eight. Number eight is, “Do not steal”.

¹⁶ “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Since Jesus expanded the meaning of neighbor to anyone we should happen to meet, this command is telling us to not lie – period!  (Luke 10:36[notes1] ) The language of the command implies a courtroom situation, but can be applied to any situation in which you speak of someone else. Leviticus 19:11 [notes2] tells us not to deceive anyone. That broadens it even further.

In other words, we are to be truthful. Why? Because God is true and in Him is no lie. (1John 2:21[notes3] ) It is not in His nature to deceive. (Titus 1:2[notes4] )

Some have argued that a lie could serve a good purpose such as saving a life. Should Germans have told the truth if they were hiding Jews in their attic during Nazi Germany? How many of us really face that kind of situation? You can complicate the simple command by imagining scenarios, but the thrust of the command is like that of all the commands. Are you operating from a heart of love or selfishness? The letter kills but the Spirit gives life. (2Corinthians 3:6[notes5] ) If you are standing before a just and holy God, what would He have you do?

We know the difference between justifying our actions to get what we want, and struggling to do what is right before God, even when it may cost us dearly. Don’t fool yourself.

When wrestling against temptation, we can usually see what is of God and what is not by examining whether or not we truly want God’s will or our own way. If we use clichés like, “God wants me to be happy!” or “God just put this in front of me so it must be His will!”, we’d better watch out! The honest heart can tell when it is seeking God first without regard to our own inclinations or desires.

You can remember command number nine is “Do not lie” by thinking of a 9 lying down.

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

[notes2] Leviticus 19:11 (ESV)

11 “You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.

[notes3] 1 John 2:21 (ESV)

21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

[notes4] Titus 1:2 (ESV)

2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began

[notes5] 2 Corinthians 3:6 (ESV)

6 who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

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¹⁴ “You shall not commit adultery. The meaning is quite clear, and yet our culture has chosen to ignore this one. Have you noticed how the breaking of these commands is glorified by the film industry? It is the sign of the decline of a civilization. When hedonism becomes the god of choice the end of that society is not far behind.

The Biblical definition of adultery is for a man to have relations with a married woman. Both parties were considered guilty of adultery. Once again, the law is based on God’s character. Adultery is wrong because God is faithful. He keeps His word. He keeps His promises. (Numbers 23:19[notes1] ) An adulteress has broken her promise to her husband and the man involved has helped.

Jesus expanded this command as well, and He did so in way that causes most men to shudder. Matthew 5:27-28 (ESV) ²⁷ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ²⁸ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If you are a man with red blood and testosterone, you have more than likely broken this command. Does that excuse us? No! It does tell us that man is fallen and selfish. (Isaiah 56:11[notes2] )

I’ve heard all kinds of excuses for this one. “God doesn’t mind if we enjoy the beauty of His creation.” No, He doesn’t. But when you look on another person and think of how you could use them to satisfy yourself without regards to the consequences in their life or the life of those around you, you are considering the height of selfishness. (Proverbs 18:1[notes3] ) You are entertaining being of a very different spirit than God who is faithful and true to His word.

Physical attraction is natural, but what you do with that attraction in your mind and heart is where sin enters. “She is lovely!” can quickly change into other thoughts. As children of God we are to capture our thoughts and make them obedient to Christ. (2Corinthians 10:5[notes4] ) The concept implies that we cannot always keep out a passing thought or impulse, but we can decide whether or not we will reject it or contemplate it.

Pornography is an increasing scourge on the world made even more prevalent by the internet. It objectifies women and turns shape and form into idolatry. It is addictive and destructive. Anyone who thinks one can take that fire into their mind and not be burned, is fooling them self. (Proverbs 6:27[notes5] )

This thought world, where our battles are won and lost, is a key component of all these commands. The way we treat our thoughts depends on where our heart is set. If your heart is set on things above you will capture your thoughts and make them serve your Lord Jesus Christ. (Colossians 3:2) [notes6] If your heart is set on this world, you will contemplate those destructive thoughts that are not of God. Thought patterns turn into action. Actions turn into a lifestyle whether for good or evil.

If you let anger control your thought life, it will be expressed in things you say. (James 1:19-20[notes7] ) If you let lust control your thoughts it will turn your eyes and lead you further and further down the road to actions. For the born-again follower of Jesus, the contemplation of evil brings conviction, guilt, and shame. That is God’s protective hand. It is the Spirit of God within you that is disgusted with the contemplation of evil. We repent, and are cleansed, and the next time the evil thought tries to invade, we take it to the cross. (1John 1:9[notes8] ) You may have to do it a million times. Every time you do, you are walking in victory. Don’t think the enemy of your soul is just going to give up and leave you alone.

To remember number 7, picture a heart with crack in it in the shape of a seven. Number seven is, “Do not commit adultery”.

19 God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

[notes2] Isaiah 56:11 (ESV)

11 The dogs have a mighty appetite; they never have enough. But they are shepherds who have no understanding; they have all turned to their own way, each to his own gain, one and all.

[notes3] Proverbs 18:1 (ESV)

1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.

[notes4] 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

[notes5] Proverbs 6:27 (ESV)

27 Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned?

[notes6] Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV)

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

[notes7] James 1:19-20 (ESV)

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires.

[notes8] 1 John 1:8-9 (ESV)

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

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Exodus 2o:13-21 Murder

How do you know if you are in a liberal church? You know when they call the Ten Commandments the Ten Suggestions!

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (ESV) ⁴ “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. ⁵ You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. God elaborated on what that meant in the first five commands. Do you remember them?

One: God is number one!

Two: Don’t make idols or bow to them.

Three: Don’t take God’s name in vain.

Four: Remember the Sabbath.

Five: Honor your father and mother.

It is our jealous husband asking to be first in our lives, not because He is selfish but because He wants what is best for us. He doesn’t want us thinking less of Him than He truly is. He wants us to reverence and respect Him by honoring His name. He wants us to set aside time for Him. He wants us to honor the His authority in our lives. God wants what any husband would desire of his bride.

Now we move to what Jesus said was like the first great command, loving our neighbor as ourselves. (Romans 13:9[notes1] ) If we honor Him, then we honor those made in His image. We will see the dignity and potential in every human life. That does not mean that everyone reflects the glory of God or expresses His image, but that we all have that potential. (Genesis 9:6[notes2] )

Here are our guidelines of action toward one another: Command number six spoken in an audible voice to the people declared. ¹³ “You shall not murder.”

The word for murder in Hebrew includes causing the death of another through carelessness or negligence. This does not cover warfare or capital punishment as both are allowed in other passages. (Exodus 21:13[notes3] ; Numbers 21:2-3[notes4] )

We might assume that we have no problem with this one, but Jesus elaborated on it in a way that includes us all. Matthew 5:21-22 (ESV) ²¹ “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ ²² But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. Anger with your brother was declared to deserve the same punishment as murder! To express that anger in words was something for which you should be tried in court. To call someone a fool is to balance on the rim of hell!

Why is Jesus so severe? He sees as God sees. He sees the anger in the heart is making selfish demands while forgetting our own need for forgiveness. (Matthew 6:15[notes5] ) He sees what we would do if it were not for the fear of consequences.

When the insult is spoken, it means the thought has gone from the heart to the lips. Action has been taken, and it sets in motion a series of events that leave lifelong scars, and sometimes actually ends in a death. (1John 3:15[notes6] )

To call someone a fool in Jesus’ day was to say that they were godless, without morals, a degenerate. (Psalm 14:1[notes7] ) Jesus said that was dancing with the devil. Satan slanders and accuses. It is the opposite of the of the New Testament command to love one another, to encourage, and build one another up. (Romans 13:10[notes8] )

Righteous anger is another matter. It is not out of selfish demands but rather from the heart of God that detests evil. Jesus expressed righteous anger several times. (Mark 3:5[notes9] ; John 2:15-17[notes10] ) It had nothing to do with not having His way and everything to do with His opposition to man’s stubbornness toward God.

Like the laws regarding our relationship with God, the laws regarding our relationship with man are based on the character of God. Murder is wrong, because God is the life giver. The time of one’s passing is God’s prerogative, not ours.

You can remember number 6 if you picture a bomb with a fuse. Number six is, “Do not murder”.

8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

[notes2] Genesis 9:6 (ESV)

6 “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.

[notes3] Exodus 21:12 (ESV)

12 “Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death.

[notes4] Numbers 21:2-3 (ESV)

2 And Israel vowed a vow to the LORD and said, “If you will indeed give this people into my hand, then I will devote their cities to destruction.” 3 And the LORD obeyed the voice of Israel and gave over the Canaanites, and they devoted them and their cities to destruction. So the name of the place was called Hormah.

[notes5] Matthew 6:15 (ESV)

15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

[notes6] 1 John 3:15 (ESV)

15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

[notes7] Psalm 14:1 (ESV)

1 TO THE CHOIRMASTER. OF DAVID. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good.

[notes8] Romans 13:10 (ESV)

10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

[notes9] Mark 3:5 (ESV)

5 And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.

[notes10] John 2:15-17 (ESV)

15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

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