A mother stood over her son’s lifeless body. He was murdered. His life cut short unjustly, but not by a stranger. He was attacked by his own brother.
The mother wept.
She grieved the loss of her son. She grieved the hatred and jealousy that existed in her own family. But most of all, she grieved the decision that was made decades ago to eat the forbidden fruit. That mother’s name was Eve, and her son, Cain, murdered her other son, Abel.
When sin entered the world, consequences came with it: death, hatred, jealousy, rage, selfishness, pride, and prejudice.
Last week, the same story happened again. A man took the life of his brother unjustly. The Father weeps Their families weep. We should weep as well.
Where do we put our hope in times like these?
Should we put our hope in our government? No. Because what happens when the government fails and injustice prevails yet again?
Should we put our hope in society? No. Because no matter how bad society wants to “do better,” we are dominated by hearts that are sinful and selfish.
Do we put our hope in new laws? As Paul wrote, “if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” (Galatians 2:21)
There is only one place that can withstand the weight of our hope — God’s Word.
“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5
God’s Word is alive, active, and able to transform the hearts of people. (Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17) You can be confident in this. God is at work. He’s in control and He has a purpose. He is redeeming and restoring the lives of His people.
Let’s run to Him and reflect on the promises and commands He has already given us.
Here are 14 verses to reflect upon. Read them all at once, or take them one at a time for the next two weeks.
Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
1 Samuel 16:7 “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,”
Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
James 2:1 “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”
Isaiah 1:17 “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Hebrews 12:2 “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
1 John 4:7 “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
Psalm 50:6 “And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice.”
Psalm 103:6 “The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.”
Luke 12:7 “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Matthew 5:22 “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”