I just read the entry from the Our Daily Bread. The scripture reference is taken from Matthew 5:38-42.
"You have heard that it was said, 'eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
What does this mean? People often quote this passage in order to gain the upper hand, I always tell them that they have quoted it out of context but I do not know why. When this entry came up in the ODB, I have a clear understanding on what it means.
With reference to Martin Luther King, he made a call for equality for the racial minorities. This lasted for a year in 1955 but paid a high price. It is so different when you interpret it literally. You strive for something good and you do it in a peaceful manner. When we are under persecution, we should not fight back with fists. By this, we gain respect from the other which make them think again. We do it in love as we are called to be the light of the world.
In the light of the recent war on Gaza, I fear that the war should not even happen. Israel has been called the chosen people of God and they should exercise what God told them through the scriptures. Hamas provoked Israel with a few insignificant rocket attacks and Israel counterattacked with a full fledged military operation. The cost? Billions of dollars of damage and spent on the war in the midst of economic downturn. Lives are lost and there is alot of colleteral damage. The only question I can think of is what is the point of the this war? This question can also be asked for the previous wars including the world wars.
It is difficult not to retailiate but people who have done it have received fame and honor. Our Lord Jesus has also done the same while he suffered at the hands of the Sanhedrin. When he was given the opportunity to defend himself, he kept silent. May God have mercy on us. May we continue to seek his strength and do what He wants us to do.
With reference to Martin Luther King, he made a call for equality for the racial minorities. This lasted for a year in 1955 but paid a high price. It is so different when you interpret it literally. You strive for something good and you do it in a peaceful manner. When we are under persecution, we should not fight back with fists. By this, we gain respect from the other which make them think again. We do it in love as we are called to be the light of the world.
In the light of the recent war on Gaza, I fear that the war should not even happen. Israel has been called the chosen people of God and they should exercise what God told them through the scriptures. Hamas provoked Israel with a few insignificant rocket attacks and Israel counterattacked with a full fledged military operation. The cost? Billions of dollars of damage and spent on the war in the midst of economic downturn. Lives are lost and there is alot of colleteral damage. The only question I can think of is what is the point of the this war? This question can also be asked for the previous wars including the world wars.
It is difficult not to retailiate but people who have done it have received fame and honor. Our Lord Jesus has also done the same while he suffered at the hands of the Sanhedrin. When he was given the opportunity to defend himself, he kept silent. May God have mercy on us. May we continue to seek his strength and do what He wants us to do.
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