“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”- Matthew 5:44 NIV
This is from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The Jews of Jesus day were expecting the Messiah to be a military leader because they wished to retaliate against Roman oppression. In their minds he was to lead a revolt that would end the Roman rule of Israel. Unfortunately, this is not at all what God had in mind. Jesus taught the people to respond to injustice with love. He wished them to give out justice and mercy rather than to receive it. This was offensive to many Jews who wanted revenge, but God specifically says “vengeance is mine” [Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19]. Take note that it is said in the OT and quoted from the OT in the Letter to the Romans by Paul.
There is much persecution taking place in the world at this time. It’s easy to say God will avenge the injustice done to us until it becomes real; until it happens to you or someone you love. It is then you want revenge. This is a normal human reaction, but remember, we are not of this earth. We are just passing thru on our way to glory. The previous statement adds some color to the thoughts of the Jews back in Jesus’ day. They were not feeling the least bit merciful, so you now can see why many were having a problem seeing Jesus as the Messiah prophesied in the OT scriptures.
The power of prayer is supremely great! An enemy is afforded the same forgiveness as a Jew. Especially since Israel rejected Jesus, which resulted in the grafting into God’s family of any and all non-Jews, aka, gentiles. [Romans 11:11-36] It is not for us to say who should and/or shouldn’t be saved from their sin. It was freely offered to us, and we are no better or worse than a hardened criminal in God’s eyes. We must pray and ask our Lord to help us see all others as he sees them … always. Our natural inclination to judge others works against us as we strive to walk as Christ walked. This is why we must pray and seek to put on Christ’s disposition and behavior. This can be a very difficult command to honor and while not obeying will not deny us entrance in heaven, it is expected of us. Just think of how many lives the Lord can change thru an obedient heart. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: Scripture notes for the text; The Life Application Study Bible.
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