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Monday, March 15, 2010

"TURN THE OTHER CHEEK"

    "But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." (Matt. 5:39, NKJV)
    "Resist" here has the connotation of "fighting back." I guess because of our nature as human beings, and especially in America where most seem to have an exaggerated estimate of personal worth, this command from Jesus is like trying to tap your foot against the rhythm of music - - you just can't keep it up for very long. And, in most cases, turning the other cheek doesn't even seem to be the right thing to do in our way of thinking. However, in spite of our personal opinions, this remains a command of God, and His word cannot be altered (Ps. 89:34).
    In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5, 6 & 7), Jesus constantly says, "You have heard ... but I say unto you..."  That is, regardless of what you have been taught in the past, you must now listen to Me.
    Jesus doesn't say "if you want to." This is not an elective. If we want to be a Christian, that is Christ-like, we must turn the other cheek. Jesus is not referring to merely a slap in the face. This is a command against personal retaliation and vengeance. Vengeance absolutely belongs to God (Romans 12:17-19).
    Consider all that men did to the Apostle Paul. He was stoned, beaten, jailed, and thrown to wild beasts! Our prime example, however, is Jesus Himself. He was insulted, beaten, nailed to a cross, and was murdered. What makes this so astounding is the fact that Jesus not only had the power to retaliate against His persecutors, He also had the authority to do so! (Matt. 26:53). Yet, He left His vengeance up to God the Father.
    God is furious against sin, and it is impossible for God to acquit the unrighteous (Nahum 1:2-3).  Not one persecution of any kind that you and I endure for Christ's sake will go unrewarded (Matt. 5:11-12).
    The Exception - -  That is, when we must NOT turn the other cheek! Paul allowed those who persecuted him to have their complete freedom. However, never once did Paul turn the other cheek when someone made an attack on the doctrine of God. Paul said concerning those who tried to pervert the Gospel, "We gave heed to them, no not for an hour" (Galatians 2:5). He encouraged, "Be steadfast, unmovable..." (1Cor. 15:58); and "cursed is he who teaches another gospel" (Galatians 1:6-9).   Paul did not look the other way, nor walk away, nor compromise even the minutest detail that didn't fit-in the doctrine of Christ.
    Even the "meek and lowly Jesus" (Matt. 11:28-30), became angry and cleansed the temple when the people abused the holiness of God. Jesus was constantly in fierce debates with the religious leaders of His day over true doctrine.
    In other words, when people attack you personally, forget about it and walk away, turn the other cheek and leave their punishment to God. But NEVER compromise who you are, i.e. a child of God; and NEVER compromise the doctrine that makes you a true child of God.  Stay Hungry (Matt. 5:6)
 
- - Toby Miller

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