VIOLENCE

The violent killing of fifty people in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand in the middle of March was unjustifiable murder.

The perpetrator thought that it was justifiable to kill Muslims, but he was wrong, there can never ever be justification for murder. We are living in a violent world where human life is valued cheaply and capital offences occur because of one reason or another.  Sociologists and Criminologists have pursued many avenues to discover the cause of violent behaviour in Society and between Nations.  There seems to be an acceptance of the use of violence when it is used in self-defence whether it is the invasion of National borders or the intrusion of an individuals home by an aggressor. 

In the United States thousands of gun related deaths are reported annually, similarly in the UK deaths caused by stabbings are too frequent.  Every night there are stabbings in London, some resulting in death.  Various reasons lie at the root of these acts of violence but mainly it is drugs and money. 

Domestic violence is horrific with the youngest and most defenceless of children becoming victims, such violence is mindless cruelty. 

When John the Baptist commenced his ministry at the River Jordan people came out to hear his preaching, among them were publicans and soldiers.  John said in Luke chapter 3 verses 12 – 14 'Then came also publicans to be baptized and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.  And the Soldiers likewise demanded of him saying, And what shall we do?  And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages'. 

Neither the publicans nor the soldiers initially accepted that their problems were money related.  John told the tax gatherers not to exact more than was legal from the people whereas when speaking to the soldiers he includes the fact that violence and lies should not be used against the people with the possible motive being to obtain money so John said 'be content with your wages'.   

The present day problems in Venezuela are related to the perceived excessive taxation of the people by the government which some feel is corrupt. There are protests in other countries and demonstrations regarding similar matters.

When Paul wrote to Timothy he said in 1st Timothy chapter 6 verse 6  'But godliness with contentment is great gain'. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows'.

And again in verse 17  ^'Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy'.

The first person to be born into this world was a murderer named Cain, his gross act of violence was against his brother and was generated by jealousy. From then on this characterised the human race and by the time Noah lived the whole earth was filled with violence. Genesis chapter 6 verse 5 states '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'.

 …and in verse 11 'The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence'. This condemnation of man's behaviour by God brought about a universal judgement and the flood destroyed all mankind apart from Noah and his family who were saved in the Ark. 

The Lord Jesus Christ spoke about Noah in Matthew chapter 24 in relation to his second coming to Earth when he said in verse 37 'But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come'.

In the days of the flood the ones that were taken were taken in judgement, the ones that lived were Noah and his family and they were saved.  So Christ taught that there would be intervention at his second coming to Earth that would take some people in judgement and some would be saved to go into His kingdom.  The Lord gives examples of activity throughout a day, people working and not aware of the hour of His return.

Prior to the second coming of Christ to Earth He will come to the air to take his blood-bought church to Heaven (1 Thessalonians chapter 4).  The opposite will be true in that event, the people who are taken will be taken to meet the Lord in the air and taken to Heaven for eternal blessing. The people that are left will be left to pass through days of immense trouble (the Tribulation) and caught up in the Judgements that will fall upon the Earth for seven years. All unbelievers will eventually be punished in the Lake of Fire.

All born again believers will know the joy of Heaven where there will be no violence but peace and tranquillity for all eternity. Faith in Christ and repentance of ones sin can secure this blessing.  

Where will you be? That's a big question which needs to be answered.

Written by a Guest Blogger