15th April 2025

15th April 2025


Pray (ACts)


Read (Exodus 20v16)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


Ten years ago the must watch TV show of the day was called “Making a Murderer” which told the story of Steven Avery who had spent 18 years in prison for a crime that he did not commit. The early episodes outlined the tragedy of Avery’s case and the joyous day of his release. I knew nothing about the case and so I was stunned when the very next episode told the tale of a young woman who Avery allegedly murdered in 2005 less than two years after his release.


Whilst Avery’s innocence in the first crime was clear, the second case had people claiming that either Avery was indeed a murderer all along or that shadowy forces were out to get him by any means necessary. What do I think? It doesn’t matter, but twenty years later Avery still finds himself in prison having now spent almost 40 years of his life behind bars over two instances.


The ninth commandment speaks into all such criminal cases as God declares that we should not bear false witness against our neighbour. Was Mr Avery in the wrong place at the wrong time or was he indeed an opportunistic killer? Anyone who knew him and witnessed what he did or did not do should have spoken the truth about the case and those investigating the crime should have upheld the truth no matter what road it took them down. I hope this is what happened despite what Netflix would have you believe.


The Lord can do all things except those things which go against His character. He can shape the mountains of Mars and command the winds of the earth but He cannot and does not lie. Therefore, just as the law shows us God’s character, it also charts our path. If we are with Christ then our lives must be marked by truthfulness and this shows itself in our relationship with our neighbour.


How do you speak about those around you? Are you happy to hear and spread gossip regardless of it’s truth? Do you give your neighbour a chance to defend himself before you believe everything you hear about him? Do you love truth and work hard to establish what is true and false? Brothers and sisters, it has been said that we live in a post-truth age, my truth may not be your truth but apparently that’s okay. This may suit the world but it does not please the Lord. 


When your neighbour’s name appears on your lips or arrives in your ears, do not bear false witness about him. There is enough falsehood in this world without you and I adding a wee bit more. For Christ’s sake love and speak truth always.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q58 What is required in the fourth commandment? The fourth commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his Word; expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy Sabbath to himself.
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