Introductory Thoughts
God places a high value on life. His desire was for man to be fruitful and multiply and bring forth abundantly in the earth (Genesis 9:7). Unfortunately, the evil becoming ever more prevalent threatens God’s plan. Regardless of whether this threat comes from man in the case of murder or comes from a beast, God requires blood for blood (Genesis 9:6). If a beast takes the life of a man or woman, the Bible says that that beast shall be put to death (Exodus 21:28). If the owner of the beast knew the beast was a threat to life and did nothing to prevent it, even the owner would be put to death (Exodus 21:29). The same is true if one man unlawfully takes the life of another man (Exodus 21:12).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): God said, "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13). That means to murder (Matthew 19:17-18) and is done with purpose. The murderer is to be put to death (Deuteronomy 19:11-13; Numbers 35:16-21).
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(For everyone): Why is life so important to God? How does the biblical mandate of blood for blood declare Gods commitment to the preservation of life while actually taking lives?
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Many people have murdered innocent people without facing the consequences for their wickedness. How does this manifest itself among a people who are disobedient to God?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to instill in you a greater value on life.
- Ask God to turn the heart of our leaders toward Him.
Song
DOES JESUS CARE?
