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:
This scripture is straight out of the sermon on the mound. One of the most well-known times that Christ addressed a large crowd of followers, HE covered a large range of topics. Most of which had to do with how, as followers, we are to treat others. Most of these also go against our nature as humans, and any one of the topics that HE covered could be turned into a sermon series by any pastor out there. However, again, most of the things that HE covered had to do with the way we treat others. I am looking at the verses that have been placed in front of us this morning, and I see that what is being said is designed to redirect our thinking. Jesus is addressing what has been said in the past and asking the people to look at it differently. HE starts with the statement, “You have heard it said.” Clarifying what was written in the Torah and grabbing the attention of those who were listening. He goes on to talk about getting someone back for what they have done to you. In the old covalent, it was permitted to take someone’s eye out or pull their tooth if they had caused you to lose an eye or a tooth. But whatever had been done to you was to be returned to the offending person. However, that’s not what Jesus is saying to do here. In fact, what HE is telling us is exactly the opposite. ” Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other.” Now I know it’s not easy to get to this point in our spiritual walk, and I’m not saying I’m there by any means. But we can’t dismiss what’s being said and think it’s not what is actually being said. Jesus means what HE says and what HE says comes straight from GOD. There is scripture to prove that as well. I have to say that Jesus did not ask us to do anything that HE was not willing to to HIMSELF. If we look at the crucifixion that HE said in these scriptures, HE walked out on the way to the cross. Continuing on with HIS sermon, HE says,” If someone sues you for your tunic, give to him your cloak as well.” It doesn’t stop there. HE asks us to go to the extra mile and give to whoever asks. Without question. I could dive so deep into just this portion of scripture. But it’s time to drive the point home.
Application:
I honestly think it would be nice if all I did for the day was write these SOAPS. I totally enjoy it. Even though it’s somewhat intimidating. Because of James chapter 3. But that is a rabbit trail. Back to my point. I would love to have the right to get people back for what they have done to me. But the right to revenge is not mine. It belongs to GOD the Father. HE sees everything. Understanding that HE is in complete control allows us to let go of the wrongs that have been done to us and puts vengeance in HIS hands. I want to take a look at the cross. Where did Jesus HIMSELF walk out everything HE said right here in HIS sermon? They beat HIM and cast lots for HIS clothes. HE did not resist them but submitted to the father’s will. Love covers a multitude of sins and it’s love that turns a sinner’s heart to repentance. When we asked Jesus to be the LORD of our lives, we surrendered to HIS will. Having HIM as the LORD means we allow HIM to call the shots. What HE says goes, and HE tells us to love our enemies… to bless those who persecute us. I remember a story about someone who was beaten for their belief in Christ. The person who had beaten them didn’t understand why they did not resist the attack, and their lack of resistance is the reason that the attacker was brought to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Love is our weapon. People don’t understand. It’s not our nature. It goes against everything in us. But it’s not a suggestion it’s a commandment. Love is the fulfillment of the law, and HE has a name…HIS name is Jesus. Let us do our absolute best to model our lives after HIS and lay down our right for revenge. It’s not up to us. We are human. Our judgment is flawed and biased. Let’s just love them all and let GOD sort it out.
Prayer:
Father, we know the road is narrow, but we want to be on it. You know so much more than we do and see the things we don’t. All we can honestly ask is that is that you fill us with love. Love for everyone. We don’t want to react. We want to act in love. With kindness to all, even when we think we have a right to retaliate, we don’t. We honestly have no idea what we are doing in the situations that we go through in life. Help us to set ourselves aside and love you with all our hearts. Setting down our right to revenge. Knowing that you will make all things right as we surrender to your will. Our lives are not our own. You paid for them with the blood of your son, and our desire is for your will. Place our feet on the narrow path. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.