The Holy Word of Our Holy God

September 9

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire,” Matthew 5:21, 22.

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’ And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord,” Ephesians 6:1-4.

People can agree on virtually nothing. Some people thoroughly enjoy hot, sunny summer days while others prefer the beauty of a winter snowfall. Some people like plain vanilla ice cream while others laden their frosty treats with chocolate sauce and pineapple topping and crushed nuts. And it is fine that we each enjoy life’s summers and winters and ice cream delights in our own way.

But if all men could subscribe to the above passages of scripture, if all inhabitants of our frail planet could agree to this one thing, we would diminish greatly, if not eradicate entirely, all that ails our troubled world.

If we could refrain from anger against our brothers for various degrees of perceived flaws—such as: 1. He receives a promotion that I feel I was due, 2. His skin is a different color than mine, 3. He worships God differently than I do, 4. He has more of life’s treasure than I possess—we would greatly reduce the incidence of all manner of crimes perpetrated by our species.

Jesus goes on to say that to hurl the term ‘raca’ at anyone is cause for grievance. The Hebrew term has an interesting etymology. ‘Raca’ is an Aramaic transliteration for ‘reka,’ a term expressing contempt, scorn, or disdain. The Greek word ‘rhaka’ means empty, vain or worthless one, signifying a lack of intellect.

Directing the term ‘raca’ at anyone is like calling them an imbecile or a blockhead. The Jews of Jesus’ day used it as a word of contempt. It is derived from a root meaning, ‘to spit.’ We are not to be contemptuous of those whose opinions differ from ours. Neither are we to call others ‘a fool.’

The second scriptural admonition deals with interaction within families. Children are to be respectful of their parents, to honor them. Even adult children are expected to maintain a high regard for their parents. The parents are to earn this respect and honor by being fair to their offspring. Part of that responsibility is to establish their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord—to build their lives upon His truth.

If we, each of us, within our sphere of influence will employ these Biblical principles, we will go far toward anchoring ourselves to the truths that set all men free if they will but adhere to the Holy Word of our Holy God.