“But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
The question of rights is really the question that Jesus addresses. We belong to Jesus Christ. We no longer belong to the world. What type of rights do we turn over to God? I think there are three rights illustrated by the examples Jesus gives.
The first is the right of respect. The second is the right to plans and third the right to possessions. We want to be respected, we want to be well thought of, we do not want to be laughed at or taken advantage of. We lose self-esteem if we are bullied or made to look like fools. We don't' want anyone walking all over us.
Jesus implies the strong man is one who can control himself in the face of ridicule and not give in to the emotion and evil desire to harm the others. The ultimate action is for the good of the other, not to destroy him even if he deserves it. Can we give our right of personal respect over to Jesus?
Within the Asian culture to be struck on the right cheek often meant to be hit with the back of one's hand. That is a double insult. Jesus wants to prepare His followers for insults. If it is for Christ's sake, then God desires to take matters into His own hands.
Romans 12:19 says, "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: It is mine to avenge: I will repay, says the Lord." In fact, by taking matters into our hands instead of leaving it up to God, we are not allowing that person to come under conviction of the Holy Spirit. He thinks he has just cause to feel animosity toward us, instead we must realize that it is toward God.
Wilberforce, the Christian political leader that sought to stop slave trading in Britain, was slandered, insulted, and the object of all kinds of evil, false rumors. Yet he continued doing what God told him to do. He would not give up. He was willing to give up his reputation and friendships, his dignity and his political office for something God had placed on his heart to fight for. Humility in Christ is realizing we do not care what people think of us only what God thinks. Be willing to suffer indignity if it is for Christ's sake. At God's timing He will lift us up. Let us first find our affirmation in God’s thoughts of us, not other people.
We’ll comment on the other rights in the next days.
Application: Meditate today on Romans 12:19 above
Prayer: Lord, help me to remeber these truths and not get in your way by seeking revenge.
