Violence Overcome

 Genesis 6-8; Luke 3 

“Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence…So God said to Noah, ‘I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is full of violence because of them…’”

Genesis 6:11, 13

God hates violence. The first murder of Abel by his brother Cain resulted in a curse that Cain lived with all his life, even as he built cities and led a multitude of his descendants. In western culture, our fixation on violence as entertainment is similarly grieving the heart of God. God’s gospel of peace leads into his ways of peace. The consequence of our sin requires the shedding of blood as atonement. Noah’s burnt offerings of clean animals on an altar were an acceptable offering and sacrifice to God. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is our atonement today for the inclinations of our hearts toward violence in our homes, our community, and among nations. The good news of the gospel is that we can be transformed today, not just forgiven. We can experience the loving power of God’s indwelling presence through the Holy Spirit and become peace-makers in the way of Jesus.

“Lord Jesus, lead me in your path of peace today, for your glory.”