Rev. Christian Nakoli
VIOLENCE EXISTS, LET US RESIST IT
Psalm 37:12–18 Exodus 2:11–15 Matthew 2:16–18
- INTRODUCTION
Dear pastors and servants of God, I welcome you with a heart of gratitude and respect to today’s Bible Study. It is a great blessing to meet together as spiritual leaders, studying the Word of God and discussing how to implement it realistically in our lives and ministries.
Today we reflect on a very serious topic: VIOLENCE EXISTS, LET US RESIST IT. We recognize that violence is a real challenge in families, communities, and even within churches. But the Word of God gives us guidance on how to stand firm and resist violence with the power of justice and love.
Our goal is to learn together, share experiences, and develop spiritual and social strategies to combat violence. We want this Bible Study to be a tool to encourage, teach, and unite us in the service of justice and love.
During the Easter season, we remember the suffering of Christ and the challenges of humanity. The Bible teaches us that violence is not a new thing, but a long-standing sin that needs to be resisted with faith and courage.
PSALM 37
It is a song of wisdom by David that provides guidance on not being troubled by evildoers or their success. It emphasizes trusting in God, doing good, and being patient, promising that the righteous will inherit the land and enjoy peace, while the wicked will be destroyed. In this Psalm we see several things, which are: –
Do not be angry (Verses 1-2): The Psalm begins by warning against envy or strong anger against the wicked. It reminds us that the success of the wicked is only temporary, like grass that quickly withers.
Trusting in God (Verses 3-5): Instead of seeking revenge, they are encouraged to trust in the LORD, to do good, and to “delight yourself” or find joy in the LORD. This ensures that the desires of the heart will be met.
Committing Your Way to God (Verses 5-6): It encourages turning all things over to God (life, problems, plans) and trusting in Him, promising that righteousness will shine forth like the dawn.
Patience and Calmness (Verses 7-9): A call to be still and wait patiently on the Lord, avoiding the wrath that leads to wickedness. The promise is that the meek will inherit the earth.
The Difference Between the Wicked and the Righteous (Verses 10-20): The wicked plot their schemes, but God sees them and their time comes. The righteous, even when they stumble, do not fall completely because God upholds them. And that is where our Psalm of the day falls.
Promise to the Righteous (Verses 23-29): The righteous is guided by the LORD and will not lack food. The offspring of the righteous will be blessed.
PSALM 37:12–18
This psalm, especially this passage, offers a lesson in hope, contrasting the wicked’s wicked schemes against the righteous with God’s protection. It explains that while the wicked plot to destroy the righteous, God laughs at them, knowing that they will not succeed, but also that the time will come when He will destroy them. These verses encourage trust in God, promising that the wicked’s time is short, but God protects and blesses the righteous. The wicked use cunning, envy, and power (“the sword and the bow”) to try to destroy the poor, the needy, and the upright. This represents the world’s pressure against God’s true followers.
God looks down on the wicked (“he laughs”) because He knows their day of destruction is coming. Their own weapons will return and crush them. Better is a little with righteousness than the great wealth of the wicked, for inner peace and God’s blessings are better than wealth obtained by ill-gotten means. God breaks the power of the wicked but upholds the righteous. He knows their daily lives (“their days”) and assures them of a lasting inheritance, even when times are hard. In short, these verses teach us not to give up when the wicked seem to be winning, but to trust in God who is the ultimate protector of the righteous.
CRUELTY EXISTS, LET US OPPOSE IT. Why?
Cruelty as a characteristic of the wicked,
Psalm says the wicked plot and show anger against the righteous. This is a picture of social, psychological, spiritual, and life-long cruelty. The title given to us by the calendar organizers recognizes the truth about the existence of cruelty. In other words, it is not an imaginary thing but a reality that exists in our societies.
God’s position against cruelty,
The Lord laughs at the wicked because He knows their end. This is proof that cruelty has no lasting future. Therefore, opposing cruelty is cooperating with God’s plan of justice and protection for the weak. Because when we oppose cruelty, we help the weak not to be subjected to cruelty.
The righteous as preventers of cruelty,
The verses say the righteous will be protected and inherit the earth. This calls us to live righteously, to oppose cruelty with acts of righteousness and love. Opposing cruelty is not in our own strength alone, but by relying on God’s protection.
The consequences of cruelty vs. the consequences of righteousness,
The wicked: their end is destruction. The righteous: they are given an everlasting inheritance. This teaches us that resisting cruelty is a way to join God’s inheritance, rather than perishing with the wicked.
In short, Psalm 37:12-18 reminds us that cruelty is a reality committed by the wicked, but God stands on the side of the righteous. The theme VIOLENCE EXISTS, LET US RESIST IT gains strength here: we are called to resist cruelty by living righteously, with the faith that God is the protector and final judge. When we encounter cruelty, let us not be discouraged; God is the final judge.
Question: _I would like to pose a question to my fellow Bible Students: What spiritual and social steps can we take to resist cruelty in our communities and institutions? And can we resist such cruelty without retaliating_?
EXODUS 2:11-15
The book of Exodus, chapter 2, is about Moses: His birth, his rescue and upbringing in the royal household, and his beginning to oppose the Egyptians’ cruelty towards the Hebrews. This chapter shows something special, especially how God deals with the cruelty committed against his people. God heard their groaning, he remembered his covenant with Abraham. He looked at their suffering. But look, he doesn’t just stop there looking at their suffering, but he goes further by preparing Moses as a deliverer. This is to say, before Moses began to oppose evil, God had already begun the work. Moses as a servant of God, enters into God’s plan. And this is what you and I should learn. But first let’s look at the main things in the book of Exodus 2:
The Birth and Rescue of Moses: Moses is born during Pharaoh’s order to kill male children. In the first chapter we see that there were people who opposed this cruelty – Shiphrah and Puah, midwives who were given the task of delivering Hebrew mothers. There is a good lesson there in opposing cruelty. They did so, knowing that they could risk their lives and their jobs.
When Moses is born, we read that his mother hides him and later puts him in a basket on the banks of the Nile River. I just wonder: why is it the mother who is mentioned and not the father and mother? Does it mean that the father discouraged the child that he would be killed? In opposing cruelty there is no despair, no fear; and cruelty can be opposed from the bottom up. And here we see Moses’ mother opposing it from the bottom up. She will be supported by other women as well, such as the midwives, Miriam, the youngest daughter, and Pharaoh’s daughter (Bithiah) who will pick him up from the river.
Moses Raised in the Palace: Pharaoh’s daughter rescues Moses and raises him as her own son, giving him special education and protection. What was hidden there was that Pharaoh’s daughter was opposing her father’s order. Can we do something like that?
Moses Begins to Oppose Cruelty: After seeing an Egyptian torturing a Hebrew, Moses killed the Egyptian. The next day, he sees the Hebrews torturing each other, and he opposes cruelty, but not in the way he used to oppose the cruelty of the Egyptians against the Hebrews. By the way, there are many ways to oppose cruelty, especially depending on who is committing the cruelty. What I am happy about here is that, *even if the cruelty is committed by our closest people, we must oppose it.* But let’s not forget that there is a cost to doing so. Because we can get lost with them, if not be lost. If you don’t believe it, look at what happened to Moses here. What made him run away was the result of opposing the cruelty. His people, especially those who loved to commit violence, hated him, and the Egyptians wanted to kill him. Moses decided to flee to Midian because of his opposition to violence. He separated from his people. Not for nothing, but for the Lord, he had to do so.
God Hearing the Cry of the Israelites: The chapter concludes with God seeing their suffering and remembering His covenant, demonstrating His faithfulness. In short, Exodus 2 lays the foundation for redemption, showing how God opposes violence through ordinary events and through servants prepared to serve His plan.
This passage from Exodus 2:11-15 describes a significant event in Moses’ life that changed the course of his life from being an Egyptian royal son to a refugee and ultimately a deliverer.
Verses 11-12: Moses’ Identity and Anger Moses, at about 40 years of age, went out to his “brothers” the Hebrews. When he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, he took action to protect his brother by killing the Egyptian and covering him with sand. This shows that Moses had love for his people and hatred for oppression, even though he used his own strength instead of God’s way.
Verses 13-14: Rejected by His Brothers, The next day, Moses tried to resolve a dispute between two Hebrews. However, he was rejected by one of them who asked him, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us?” This question shocked Moses because he realized that his act of killing the Egyptian had become known.
Verse 15: Fleeing to Midian, when Pharaoh heard about it, he wanted to kill Moses. To save his life, Moses fled Egypt and went to live as a foreigner in the land of Midian.
The connection between Exodus 2:11-15 and the theme of the week “ABULENCE IS HERE, LET’S OPPOSE IT” is based on the recognition of injustice and the responsibility to take action, while warning about the methods used to combat such violence. Here is an analysis of that connection:
- Recognizing Violence and Taking Action
In these verses, Moses witnesses both systemic violence (an Egyptian beating a Hebrew) and social violence (two Hebrews fighting). Refusing to Be Silent: Moses did not stand aside; he was moved by the pain of his brothers. This reflects the first part of the main idea: “Abuse is here”. Identification and Compassion: Moses left behind the luxury of royalty and identified with the victims of violence, which is the basis for “Let’s Oppose” violence in society.
- The Trap of Countering Violence with Violence
Although Moses’ intentions were good, the method he used (killing the Egyptian) illustrates the human challenge in opposing evil. Using Force vs. Justice: Moses tried to end violence by using other violence. Scripture suggests that true deliverance does not come by “the sword” (human power alone), but by following God’s ways of justice and peace. But let me be clear here. For the Egyptians, the method Moses used was appropriate, which is why Scripture does not contradict it. This shows that the killing was acceptable to God, but it was harmful to Moses.
Consequences of Anger: Moses’ action made him a fugitive, showing that opposing violence in the wrong ways can bring more harm to the fighter for justice himself. I am not dismissing the previous argument, but I am warning.
- The Role of the Mediator (Resisting Domestic Violence)
Verse 13 shows Moses trying to resolve a dispute between two Hebrews. This teaches that: Resisting violence is not only against “outside enemies” (oppressors), but also resisting violence within our own community. The Hebrew’s question (“Who made you ruler?”) shows the difficulty of resisting violence when the community is disunited or does not recognize your support.
- Preparation to Resist Large-Scale Violence
Moses’ flight to Midian was part of his preparation. God taught him humility in the wilderness so that he could later return to oppose Pharaoh’s violence with God’s power and not with human anger. This connection tells us that when we resist existing violence, we must do so with wisdom, justice, and godly principles so that we do not become part of the cycle of violence we are trying to stop. As pastors and spiritual leaders, this story of Moses in Exodus 2:11-15 provides powerful lessons about our callings and the dangers we can face in ministry:
Avoid “Committing” Before God’s Time: Moses felt the burden of deliverance, but he tried to carry it out in his own strength and in his own time. You may have a great vision for a church or community, but if you carry it out with “flesh and blood” instead of the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you will produce chaos instead of deliverance.
The Danger of Anger and Emotions in Ministry: Moses was driven by righteous indignation when he saw injustice, which led him to murder. A pastor should be moderate. Anger against sin or evil does not make you sin. Opposing cruelty does not justify using ungodly methods.
Don’t be surprised if you are rejected by “Your Brethren”: Moses thought the Hebrews would understand and accept him as a deliverer, but they questioned him and rejected him (v. 14). Often the greatest opposition to your ministry will not come from “Pharaoh” (the world), but from within the partners or people you are trying to help. This requires tough skin and a humble heart.
Ministry Requires “Wilderness School”: Moses left the palace (a place of authority) and went to Midian to shepherd sheep (a place of humility). Before God will trust you with “the people,” He will often take you “into the wilderness” to crush your pride, remove your dependence on position, and teach you patience. Ministry is not a throne, it is shepherding the sheep.
The Secrets of Ministry Are Not Hidden: Moses thought no one saw (v. 12), but it was known. As a shepherd, your integrity is everything. What you do in the dark has a profound impact on your public ministry. Ministry requires openness and the fear of God.
SERMON READING: MATTHEW 2:16-18
First, Matthew 2 generally recounts the events of Jesus’ childhood, beginning with the visit of the wise men guided by a star to worship the “King of the Jews” in Bethlehem. This chapter focuses on King Herod’s fear, the holy family’s flight to Egypt to escape persecution, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about Jesus’ life. Matthew 2 also emphasizes Joseph’s obedience, God’s protection of Jesus, and the fulfillment of prophecy, portraying Jesus as the promised Messiah. In Matthew 2 we see:
The Wise Men and the Star (Verses 1-12): The wise men from the East came to worship Jesus, showing that salvation was for all nations, not just the Jews. They gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Herod’s Fear and the Infanticide (Verses 13-18): Herod, fearing the loss of his power, ordered all the male children in Bethlehem to be killed. This symbolizes worldly opposition to the kingdom of God.
Flight to Egypt and Return (Verses 19-23): Joseph was directed by an angel to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt to save them, fulfilling the prophecy “Out of Egypt I called my son”.
Now Matthew 2:16-18 tells of the Massacre of the Innocents in Bethlehem, where King Herod, fearing the loss of his power, ordered all male children two years old and under to be killed. This event fulfills Jeremiah’s prophecy about Rachel’s weeping (Jer 31:15), showing the world’s hatred of the Messiah and divine protection for Jesus.
In short Matthew 2:16-18 concerns a tragic historical and prophetic event known as the “Murder of the Innocents”. Here is a detailed explanation of the verses:
Herod’s Anger and Decree (Verse 16): After realizing that the Magi (astrologers) had tricked him by returning by another route, King Herod was furious.
Death Order: He ordered all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem and its surrounding areas to be killed. Age Range: He chose the age of two based on the time he had learned from the Magi about the appearance of the star. Purpose: Herod wanted to kill Jesus to secure his throne, fearing that the new king of the Jews would overthrow his rule. Some people protect their positions by killing their peers!
Fulfillment of Jeremiah’s Prophecy (Verses 17-18): Matthew writes that this event fulfilled the words spoken by the Prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 31:15. _A Voice in Ramah:_ The prophecy mentions a voice of lamentation and great weeping heard in Ramah.
Rachel Weeping for Her Children: Rachel, Jacob’s wife, was buried near Bethlehem (Genesis 35:19). In this passage, Rachel represents the mothers of Israel (especially those of Bethlehem) who mourn over the loss of their children. Prophetic Meaning: Although Jeremiah’s prophecy originally concerned the Jews being taken into captivity, Matthew uses it to show the great sorrow that resulted from the evil attempt on the Messiah.
Key Lessons
- God’s Protection: Despite Herod’s cruelty, God protected Jesus by directing Joseph to flee to Egypt before the massacre began.
- Opposition to the Kingdom of God: This incident shows how worldly and evil forces can oppose the coming of God’s kingdom.
- Relationship with Moses: Some commentators see parallels between this incident and Pharaoh’s attempt to kill Hebrew male children at the birth of Moses
VIOLENCE IS HERE, RESIST IT.
The connection between Matthew 2:16-18 and the theme of the week “Violence Is Here, Resist It” is evident through an analysis of the source of Herod’s violence, its impact on the innocent, and the call to action against oppressive systems. Here are some key points that connect this passage to the anti-violence movement today:
1. Identifying the Source of Violence* (Fear and Lust for Power)
Herod’s violence was not due to bad luck, but rather to *fear of losing power* and *excessive selfishness.* In today’s society, violence (such as sexual harassment or workplace bullying) is often motivated by people who want to control others by force. Resisting violence begins with recognizing and rejecting the spirit of Herod—which is a spirit of murder and violence for personal gain.
- Protecting the Vulnerable (Children and Women)
This passage highlights the violence that targets the most vulnerable group—young children. Rachel’s cry (verse 18) represents the grief of mothers and victims of violence whose voices are often unheard. Resisting violence means being a voice for the voiceless and defending children and women from all forms of violence. Christ calls us to have “zero tolerance” for violence against vulnerable people.
- Practical Resistance (Refusing to Participate and Running Away from Danger)
The various people in this story resisted cruelty in different ways: The Magi: They refused to follow Herod’s order to return the report, choosing to obey God’s guidance rather than the tyrannical ruler. Joseph and Mary: They took immediate action (fleeing to Egypt) to save the child’s life. Resisting cruelty is not just saying “no,” but taking decisive action to protect the victim and report the perpetrator.
- Hope in the Struggle Against Cruelty
Despite the seeming power of Herod’s cruelty, it failed to stop the Messiah. This reminds us that cruelty can cause pain, but it does not have the final say. Let us resist cruelty with faith that God’s justice and love are stronger than hatred and any tyranny.
CONCLUSION
The passage in Matthew 2:16-18 reminds us that our faith is not outside the reality of suffering. As spiritual leaders and believers, our calling is:
- Be Guardians of the Flock: Just as Joseph heeded God’s warnings to protect Jesus, Pastors must be alert to identify modern-day “Herods” (systems of oppression, child abuse, and social violence) and take urgent action to protect the vulnerable.
- Preach Justice, Not False Peace: Opposing violence requires the Magi’s courage to not cooperate with violence. We must not remain silent in the face of evil under the guise of “peace,” for true peace is built on justice.
- Provide True Comfort: The church must be a place where “Rachels” (those wounded by violence) can cry and find true comfort, not just empty words, but a ministry of love and healing.
While violence exists and is heartbreaking, God’s word to us today is this: “Evil has no final say.” Herod used an army, power, and weapons to kill Christ as a child, but he failed. God had a plan greater than the wiles of man. Even when you walk through the valley of cruelty or when you see evil flourishing, remember:
- God Is With Us (Emmanuel): Even in the cry of Bethlehem, God was not far away; He was protecting the Savior who would later defeat all evil on the cross.
- The Power of Love Will Conquer: Cruelty is a sign of fear, but the love of Christ is a sign of victory. Continue to oppose cruelty with goodness, for light always overcomes darkness.
“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. That is, let us oppose cruelty regardless of who is doing it, and let us not fear its consequences. Jesus has overcome us. And that is our hope. I pray that you will submit, and God bless you.
Amen
Rev. Christian Nakoli ©26.02.2026