APRIL 16
MATTHEW 5:39_But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil…
Resist not evil sounds odd. After all, wouldn’t you want to resist evil whenever it came your way?
The word resist here can be translated, to withstand; oppose. Again, that sounds like the right way to handle evil. If evil comes at me, I intend to oppose it.
So, why is the word not a part of this teaching? Does Jesus say not to fight evil? Let evil have its own way? It could almost sound like Jesus is in favor of evil. Since that isn’t true, it could only be one thing – scale balancing. Justice and mercy do not balance without Jesus’ input.
If you’ve been treated wrong in a way that is not an actual crime, you won’t run to the court for help. If you are transforming into a salty-lit-up disciple, you’ll run to Jesus for help. He tells you not to plan a revenge plot. Jesus wants you to resist that temptation.
Something just doesn’t seem right. The only way it can be right is if Jesus beats up your enemy, right? That’s how to balance the scales!
So, what would Jesus do?
The answer to that question is phenomenal!! Jesus transforms the whole revenge thing.
PRAYER
King of Kings, Please change my heart so it seeks mercy more than revenge. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.
Christ balances the heart—He will balance mine!
The Works of Her Hands 