13 Aug, 2007
Jealousy...Robbery...Murder!
2 arrested in N.J. schoolyard deaths
NEWARK, N.J.—A 28-year-old man and a teenage boy were charged Thursday in the execution-style schoolyard killings of three college students and the wounding of another, a crime that has outraged this violence-marred city.
The arrests came within hours of each other, with police taking the 15-year-old boy into custody Wednesday night and the man, Jose Carranza, surrendering to the mayor on Thursday.
"We believe that others were involved in this heinous crime," Essex County Prosecutor Paula T. Dow said. "We're looking for them."
Officials declined Thursday to speculate on a motive, but Police Director Garry McCarthy said: "There is still no indication of a gang angle in this particular endeavor." Authorities have said robbery appeared to be the motive, and robbery charges were brought against the two suspects.
The four victims, friends ages 18 to 20 who were planning to attend Delaware State University this fall, were shot while visiting in a schoolyard not far from their homes Saturday night.
Terrance Aeriel, 18, Dashon Harvey, 20, and Iofemi Hightower, 20, were forced to kneel against a wall and were shot at close range. The fourth victim, 19-year-old Natasha Aeriel, Terrance Aeriel's sister, survived a wound to her head and is hospitalized. Natasha Aeriel was able to help authorities identify the suspects, the mayor said.
photo & story courtesy twincities.com, 8/9/07
Genesis 4:2-8 (NLT)
Cain and Abel
When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. 3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift—the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.
6 “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”
8 One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him.
Galatians 5:19-20 (NLT)
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about jealousy?
The sin of jealousy has been around since Adam and Eve's boys. We often just think jealousy is no big deal, but it obviously is because it can be deadly!
Though we are not told the exact reason for the LORD not accepting Cain's offering, it does seem that Cain had a problem with his motives and attitude. While Abel brought his best to the LORD, Cain did not. The fact that the LORD confronted Cain about his sin and gave him a chance to do the right thing and Cain refused - proves that he remained jealous. Amazing! Being jealous for God's blessing led to murder!
Paul makes it real clear in the Galatians passage that the sin of jealousy comes out of our hearts when we refuse to follow the Holy Spirit's leading in our lives. Our natural sinful nature produces evil results - one of which is jealousy.
Be honest. What makes you jealous and why?
How can you connect today's God's Story scripture to your life?
Think through the definition of jealousy - the obsessive desire to have the same as someone else.
Are you obsessed with any of the following?
- some one's good looks
- some one's boyfriend or girlfriend
- some one's car
- some one's money
- some one's clothes
- some one's talent, like musical or athletic
- some one's popularity
- some one's family
- some one's knowledge
- some one's spiritual faith
- some one's (you fill in the blank _______________)
How can you connect today's story and God's Story scripture and your story to others?
- Make a written list of what makes you jealous and keep it handy for the next month. Pray for Jesus to give you victory over the temptations on your list. As you become more aware of jealousy in your life, you will see it in the lives of others. Be careful and ready to forgive, not judge. They may notice a change in your life and you may have the opportunity to share your story.
- Use today's DAILYBIDE with some friends, your small group, or youth group to deal with the problem of jealousy together.
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