Talkin' Turkey ~ Get Cheeky With It 13 August 2022
Talkin’ Turkey ~ Get Cheeky With It
W/Night Wave Radio (www.nightwaveradio.net)
13 August 2022
What exactly does “Turn the other cheek” mean to you? Here’s what I think it means; According to the King James Version Bible, Jesus spoke in the “Sermon on the Mount”, which was recorded in Matthew 5:38 & 39, saying; “38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
I know that turning the other cheek is a tough thing to process. Who wants to be smacked in the face once, much less twice?! Jesus wanted us completely transformed into being “Christ-Like”, instead of just being “Rule Keepers”. Following rules is something that is done out of fear of retribution when one disobeys. Being Christ-Like is truly transforming your way of thinking, so that you don’t even think of what’s right or wrong. You just automatically do what’s right, because it’s natural to do so. It’s not enough to obey the letter of the law. We must conform to the Spirit of the law as well.
Jesus’ command for us to turn the other cheek, is the characterization of Jesus Himself, with mercy, sacrifice, love, and long-suffering. He tells us in verse 41 to go the extra mile for those who have done us wrong. And in verse 44, to love and pray for our enemies. In other words, we need to be pure inside as well as outside, and to be accommodating for the sake of the lost world. Lost, meaning those without Christ in their heart, and lives.
The “slap” that Jesus spoke about, just like in today’s world, didn’t necessarily mean a physical altercation. It’s a metaphor, for an unexpected insult or offence. What does it matter what insults are cast your way? Is it true? If not, don’t worry about it…turn the other cheek. Are you shocked and offended? Don’t be, for being offended leads to sinful behavior. The whole two wrongs don’t make a right thing.
“Suffer any injury that can be borne, for the sake of peace, committing your concerns to the Lord’s keeping. And the sum of all is, that Christians must avoid disputing and striving. If any say, Flesh and blood cannot pass by such an affront, let them remember, that flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom of God; and those who act upon right principles will have most peace and comfort” (Concise Commentary, entry for Matthew 5:38). [ref: gotquestions.org].
Jesus didn’t want pacifists. Or for us to put ourselves in dangerous situations. But he didn’t want us to seek revenge either. Retribution might feel good in the moment, but it still not right! As Christ followers, we don’t have to defend ourselves, our personal rights, and neither do we have to avenge our honor.
Responding to hatred with love and ignoring personal slights display the supernatural power of the indwelling Holy Spirit and may afford the chance to share the gospel. Jesus was the perfect example of turning the other cheek because He was silent before His accusers and did not call down revenge from heaven on those who crucified Him. Instead, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
God loves you! Jesus loves you!! And I do too!!
