Daily Devotions
Genesis
"For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth." Psalm 33:4
Text: Genesis 9:1-28
A HIGH REGARD FOR LIFE
How lightly man esteems life when he can slay a brother. Cain was the first murderer and God had to punish him severely for his crime and sin (Cf. Genesis 4:1-15). Lamech, in boasting of his killing prowess to his wives, only served to highlight the low regard for life.
God’s instruction given to Noah was not only for his ears. The law that God gave to Noah and his family was meant to apply for all generations. Though animals were allowed to be killed for food, nevertheless there must be a high regard for life!
“But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.
Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning;
from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from
the hand of man.”GENESIS 9:4,5
It is one thing to eat flesh. It is quite another to eat flesh while it is still alive! There is no justification for such acts of barbarous cruelty! God will hold both man and best accountable if there is delight in pursuing such cruel practices – all in the name of cuisine!
AN EVEN HIGHER REGARD FOR HUMAN LIFE
If animal life is to be held in high esteem, then there must be even greater regard for human life. God made it crystal clear that He would judge the person who takes, with impunity, the life of another man.
“From the hand of every man’s brother I will require
the life of man;
Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed;
For in the image of God He made man.”GENESIS 9:5f-6
How should we understand and appreciate this word from the Lord?
1. All men are brothers!
To kill another human being is to murder a brother! A solemn thought indeed.
2. A Life for a Life
God’s justice was made very clear to all! The man who murders will forfeit his own life!
3. All are accountable to God
This is a vital truth that few seem to understand. Whether here or hereafter, man is accountable to God!
4. The Image of God
Man was made in the image of God! Murder is a special affront to the Lord!