Disciples live ‘under the Spirit’ of the Law
Matthew 5:38-42
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I 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.
And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”
~ Jesus
In trying to get a handle on this hard-to-grasp teaching of Jesus – the two seem opposing in nature – it helps to know the intent of the original law: “eye for an eye” (Deuteronomy 19:21).
Deuteronomy 19:16-21
16 If a malicious witness takes the stand to accuse someone of a crime, 17 the two people involved in the dispute must stand in the presence of the Lord before the priests and the judges who are in office at the time. 18 The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar, giving false testimony against a fellow Israelite, 19 then do to the false witness as that witness intended to do to the other party. You must purge the evil from among you. 20 The rest of the people will hear of this and be afraid, and never again will such an evil thing be done among you. 21 Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
The spirit of the law was to limit vengeance. Unfortunately, many people had come to use the law Jesus is referencing with the attitude of vengeance. There was legitimate space for retribution in the OT (old testament) law, but at its heart, it was a desire to limit rather than escalate vengeful actions.
Jesus steers us away from a revenge-orientation that focuses on a slight or offense. Instead he orients us toward a generous love-and-serve mentality (give an extra tunic, go the extra mile, etc.) with an “enemy” – thus calling for us to act out of love rather than revenge.
This is not to say that there is no place for retribution. Application of “eye for an eye” acknowledges equal value of all people before God. It is in applying such a law with the right spirit – love included – that we learn that these teachings can co-exist. Often people just want revenge for being wronged – real or perceived. Jesus takes us out of revenge mode and into love-and-serve mode.
Prayer
Father God, I want to have Your Spirit teach my spirit to live under the spirit of the law. There will be no shortage of opportunities for me to practice this love-and-serve mode rather than revenge-mode in my life. Help me push away from any spirit of revenge and instead embrace a measured spirit of love and grace even when retribution is called for. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
An explanation of the connection between Psalm 119 and the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet was provided in a previous devotion.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:41-48 (Waw, 6th letter)
ו
- May your unfailing love come to me, LORD,
your salvation, according to your promise; - then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word. - Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.
- I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever. - I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts. - I will speak of your statutes before kings
and will not be put to shame, - for I delight in your commands
because I love them. - I reach out for your commands,
which I love,
that I may meditate on your decrees.
Micro-Meditation Action
Read the verses of the Psalm two times. Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.
Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
The sense of the letter Waw is connector, such as between heaven and earth or God and His creation. Its inference can be seen bookending this section of Psalm 119 (come to me and I reach out for).