This Sunday's Gospel reading brings us to an awesome challenge by Jesus. It is concerning non-retaliation. We live in a world of wanting to get back at someone who has done us wrong. Jesus points us in another direction. Here is an excerpt from the Gospel reading.
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you." Matthew 5: 38 - 48
The Old Testament had the law of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. The purpose of the law was for the punishment not to exceed the matter of the crime. Now, Jesus turns this law on its head by encouraging his followers to turn the other cheek.
This directive comes to us as a kingdom value. But operating with non-retaliation, there is the possibility of perhaps winning the person over to you - if not to Christ. One must remember that God has operated with us in this fashion. God's love has come to our disobedience not by retaliating but by giving us Jesus who suffered unjustly for us. We, therefore, ought to reflect this love in how we deal with others.
This certainly is a challenge for us in our world today. I would ask you to reflect on these words of Scripture. The whole reading is "Matthew 5:38 - 48. Also included here is the directive to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. What challenge might this present to you in your own life? May God's blessing be upon your reflection of these words and your worship this Sunday.
Pastor Marty
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you." Matthew 5: 38 - 48
The Old Testament had the law of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. The purpose of the law was for the punishment not to exceed the matter of the crime. Now, Jesus turns this law on its head by encouraging his followers to turn the other cheek.
This directive comes to us as a kingdom value. But operating with non-retaliation, there is the possibility of perhaps winning the person over to you - if not to Christ. One must remember that God has operated with us in this fashion. God's love has come to our disobedience not by retaliating but by giving us Jesus who suffered unjustly for us. We, therefore, ought to reflect this love in how we deal with others.
This certainly is a challenge for us in our world today. I would ask you to reflect on these words of Scripture. The whole reading is "Matthew 5:38 - 48. Also included here is the directive to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. What challenge might this present to you in your own life? May God's blessing be upon your reflection of these words and your worship this Sunday.
Pastor Marty
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