Scripture:
Matthew 5:38-42 ESV
[38] “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ [39] But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. [40] And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. [41] And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. [42] Give to the one who begs you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
Observation:
Listing to Jesus preach this message had to set the people back. It went against what they had been taught up to this point. In the book of Laviticus. We see a set of laws that told them that if someone had done them wrong, they had the right to do the very same thing back to that person. Jesus, however, is standing there teaching them not to resist the one doing the evil and, in fact, not only allow them to do it but turn the other cheek and let them slap the other side. It made no sense. The Old Testament law taught that if someone took something from you and you found out who it was, you had the right to go and take something of the same value. This teaching took the response of bitterness away and replaced it with grace. In those days, a Roman soldier could make an average citizen carry his pack for one mile. I’m sure it was a little irritating when you were plowing your field, and a soldier came and said, “Carry my pack.” Jesus was teaching us to put how we feel aside and just love. In fact, in this very same area of scripture, HE tells us to love our enemies and bless those who do us wrong. When they take from us, give them more. It’s not our job to get them back or question why they did what they did. I don’t even want to bring up getting people back for the wrong they have done. Although that’s human nature.
Application:
When someone offends us or does us wrong. We want to retaliate. There is something in our hearts that makes us feel like we have a right to strike back. We never look at the situation or think about what might be going on it that person’s life. We just think we have a right to be judged jury and executioner. In our minds and in our hearts, we feel like we have the right. These verses tell us differently. Not only do they ask us to react with love no matter what the offense, but we are being asked to lay down our rights as well. You might be saying “well that’s just not possible.” But I’m going to tell you it is. The example that Jesus gave us on the way to the cross is the standard its GOD’S standard. The standard is love… no matter what. I know it seems impossible. But let me tell you a story from my life. Many years ago, I was involved in a lot of different ministries. One of which was called “I used to be a mess but now I’m a messenger.” One of the men that was involved with that ministry relapsed on meth. I did my best to love him through it… but when his delusions influenced him to steal my motorcycle. I couldn’t do it anymore. Over the next few years, I thought about all the ways I would get him back. In my mind, I had a right to. I’m justifying my actions through the bible… it says an eye for an eye. My upbringing gave me the right to go get my bike back. AT ALL COST, and believe me, i thought about it. I played it out in my head for years. Until GOD started dealing with me. HE would use scripture to change my heart. As I would drive by, this man’s house GOD would speak to me…pray For your enemies, bless those who persecute you. So I started to pray for him… I’m not saying I wanted to… but I started. To be honest, my heart was not in it at first. I would pray GOD give him what he deserves. Those prayers become show HIM grace. Then GOD spoke more scripture… if a man takes your coat, give him your shirt… but GOD, you don’t understand this is my motorcycle… it’s not a coat… if it were a coat, I would just give it to him. But it’s not, I have a right to be mad. But I didn’t. You see, this man was a child of GOD just like I am. No matter his state of mind and it’s not up to me what he deserves. I don’t have a right to decide that. To make a long story short, I ended up giving him the bike. I rote him a litter, telling him he could have it. I don’t know what that did for him… but it set me free. I’m no longer bound by the anger and hatred that made me want to get him back. That was a number of years ago, and sense that day, GOD has restored 10 fold what the enemy had taken. My point is this… when you walk in love laying down your rights. GOD has an opportunity to show you that love truly does cover a multitude of sins. Now, I’m looking back on all that and knowing the scripture a little better. I’m glad he didn’t get what he deserved because then I would have to get what I deserve as well and what we all deserve… christ took, for us on the cross.
Prayer:
Father, the way you teach us is so amazing. You gave us grace when what we deserve is crucifixion. You showed us love when what we deserve is wrath. You are so far beyond our understanding. Thank you, Father. Your love is amazing. Help us to meet others with the same grace you met us with. Showing mercy and love to those whom we think don’t deserve it. Because honestly, none of us deserve what you have freely given. 3 nails and 2 prices of wood should have been our future. But because you saw fit… our future is heaven. There is nothing we can say, but thank you. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray amen.