Revenge

How do you make things right when you have been wronged? 

The Law of Moses contained the civil law, the ceremonial law, and the moral law.  The law was to control excesses, unrestrained revenge, and to prevent reoccurrences.  

 

Matthew 5:20 (ESV)

20 For I (Jesus) tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 

The religious leaders took Moses's law as a mandate for revenge which was not God's purpose.  They applied the civil law for the personal law which was not God's intent.  Jesus taught that we must turn from selfishness to selflessness.     

Matthew 5:38-42 (ESV)

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 

39 But I (Jesus) say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 

1. We must surrender our dignity for Christ.  

40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.

 

2. We must surrender our security for Christ. 

41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

3. We must surrender our liberty for Christ.  

The Roman soldier could require a Jew to carry their packs one mile, but we must go beyond what we are required. The second mile is called the miracle mile where God could work in the soldier's heart.     

42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

4. We must surrender our property for Christ.  

The law teaches the same as Jesus.  We must not apply the civil law for the personal revenge.  

Leviticus 19:18 (ESV)

18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. 

Darryl Craft, Whitesburg Baptist Church

http://www.whitesburgbaptist.org/sermons/making-things-right-when-youve-been-wronged/