AS IT WAS; AS IT IS (5)

AS IT WAS; AS IT IS (5)

[Highlighting Jesus' Review of the Laws of Moses]

Flashback

This is the series of teaching where we study the changes Jesus made in the Laws of Moses. In the last four editions, we have considered the issues Jesus raised in John chapter 5: issues on murder, adultery, divorce, and oath-taking.

In this forth edition, we shall focus on another case still within the chapter.

As It Was

a. "Yea have heard it had been said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for tooth'."

'But I Say Unto You'

b. 'Revenge not evil, but whosoever shall smite you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.'

(d) 'Whoever compels you to go a mile, go with him two.' (e) 'Give to him that ask thee, (f) from him that wants to borrow from thee, turn not away." (Matthew 5:38–42)

A Call For Meekness and Tolerance

The earlier verses of Matthew 5 (verse 5) says 'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth'. 1 Peter 5:5 says 'The Lord resist the proud and gives grace to the humble.' Jesus grew up in a Jewish community which was strict in performing the Laws of Moses.

In part 'a' (verse 38) of our test above, Jesus quoted the Book of Exodus 21:24 which recommends commensurate vengeance for offense(s).

Yes, God gave this law. Later on, God decided to review it. (See Hebrew 8:7-8) So he gave Jesus to replace the Law. Now, here is Jesus with a contrary teaching, which made people confused. He said 'Do not slap back, but offer the other cheek'. (Paraphrased) This is a call for us to be meek, humble and tolerant. This is a superior counsel.

A Superior Counsel

The Bible says in John 1:18 'No man has seen God at anytime, (except) the only begotten Son, who is in the bossom of the Father, He has revealed Him'. Jesus came direct from the Father. He came with the most supreme counsel, scripture and lifestyle of the kingdom.

Part 'c' discourages contention, strife and greed. In other words, Jesus meant 'Whatever someone has taken from you (with a higher might), let it go! It hurts, it festers, yet forgiveness is a balm. Let it go!'

In modern civilization, it looks unthinkable, but this is acceptable in the sight of God. And God rewards obedience. He will restore.

A Call For Generosity and Concern

In Acts 20:35, Jesus said, 'It is more blessed to give, than to receive'. Again here, Jesus in addition said 'Give to him that ask thee and from him that wants to borrow from thee, turn not away'. (Part 'e' and 'f')

This is the kingdom lifestyle Christ came to establish here on the earth: a culture where people are caring; a culture where people are concerned with the situation of others; a culture where people regard others as better than themselves (see Philippians 2:3); a culture where people's affection is towards God and His kingdom and not on possessions and the world.

Start the Practice Now!

The days of ignorance, God overlooked. But now he commands all men to repentance. Do not revenge anymore. It hurts, yet you can ask Jesus to take away the hurt, and He'll do it. Forgive and forget.

Learn from Jesus: on the cross of His death, he looked up to heaven and forgave his prosecutors. He did not end there, He asked for forgiveness from his Father for them.

You can do same. Start the practice. Do not fight back. This is acceptable and pleasing to God. See you in the next edition. God bless you.

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