# 71 Violence Begets Violence

The Book of Genesis Day 71 Ge 6:4 There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown. 5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. These “giants” are not to be confused with the “jolly green” kind, or the “beanstalk” variety, or the “Goliath” clan, or even the oft repeated speculation that they were the offspring of angels committing “hanky panky” with humans. Angels do not reproduce, and neither will you and I once we get to heaven. Mt 22:30 "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven”. The word “giant” in Hebrew basically means “bully.” This would be consistent with the lineage of Cain. Cain was a bully. Lamech was a bully too! These were violent men, and they begat violence in their offspring as well. It was the M.O. (Modus Operandi) of their family tree! Some things never change! Violence begets more violence, it’s a principle that we have seen in operation from Genesis on. Domestic abuse is a classic example. It is a very difficult cycle to break as sons often emulate their father’s behavior and bring it into their own marriages. Then there’s the violent act of abortion. Sadly, few people see the link between the increase of violence in the land and the legalization of abortion in 1973. But let’s face it, if I can solve what I consider a difficult situation by taking the life of an innocent child, what’s to stop me from solving any other difficult situation with some sort of violent act. Violence begets more violence. It always has and it always will. So the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth. I can almost picture Him picking up the daily edition of the Heavenly Chronicle and reading of the violent acts of men on the front pages, or flipping on Cloud Nine television and seeing violent act after violent act portrayed in the 6 o’clock news. Note, the text says “every” intent of the thoughts of the hearts of men was “only” evil “continually! A steady stream of vileness flowing through the earth! Every plan and purpose had evil as it’s motivation! One has to wonder how close we are today to becoming like that pre-flood society! Our children are being gunned down by other children in our streets and schools. Names like Columbine and Sandy Hook, and now Las Vegas, conjure up unforgettable pictures of terror. Tourist meccas and pedestrian walkways are turned into bloodbaths as innocent people are gunned down or run down by terrorists and others whose actions mirror those of the people of the earth before the flood. The only difference is our weaponry has become more sophisticated. People! Are you praying about this? Do you sense the urgency of the hour? What do you think Jesus was talking about in Mt 24:37 "But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Are you ready? Our only hope in stemming the rising tide of violence is a Holy Spirit wrought revival, because only as people turn to the Lord Jesus Christ will the intents of the hearts be changed! Pray for it! Work for it! And let it begin with each one of us. Pray, “Come Lord Jesus,” and pray that He either comes in the form of revival, or that He comes to put an end to this violence once and for all! Reflect: Have you ever been bullied? How has bullying changed in modern times? How has it remained the same? Why do you think “violence begets more violence?” What do you think is behind the rise in violence? Pray: Lord, we pray “Come Lord Jesus! Put an end to the senseless violence on this earth either by changing the hearts of men through faith in Jesus, or by coming again for the final judgment. Thank you for the promise of a violent free existence in eternity for those who believe and our baptized.