Turning to Jesus

God has given Christians the Bible, the indwelling Holy Spirit and fellowship with other believers to help guide our thinking and conduct.  God does not trample the freedom He has given people with unique personalities to consdier what God has said and express their own convictions.  Looking back, I can say there were times I had very strongly held convictions I do not have any more because studying the Bible and conversations with Christians changed my mind.  I realised there were many considerations I was ignorant of in forming my theology, convictions and personal practices, and fellowship with other Christians is vital to avoid an internal echo chamber that repeats lies and unbalanced views we once believed.

I was saddened to hear reports of a man who rushed through security who allegedly intended to assassinate President Trump, joining a growing list of those whose foiled murder plots have come to public light.  Based on current reports, it seems the man was motivated to kill because of supposed abuses and wrongs in the world.  The New York Times reported what the man wrote in an article, "Turning the other cheek when *someone else* is oppressed is not Christian behavior,” the writing reads. “It is complicity in the oppressor’s crimes.”  I repeat this sentiment because it has long been a challenge among Christians where to draw a line and if we are ever justified to resort to physical violence to prevent oppression or abuse, knowing there is a time for war and a time for peace.  Clearly this man was not walking in obedience to Jesus, for cold-blooded murder is never biblically justified.

Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 5:38-39, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' ³⁹ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also."  Jesus is not saying Christians are forbidden to walk away from a fight or are not allowed to defend themselves or others from harm.  The Law was written to prevent people going beyond what was right, to justify killing when they had lost an eye.  What Jesus taught is rather than seeking to retaliate or return evil for evil, followers of Jesus should not to seek to avenge themselves when wronged.  They are called to pray for their enemies and do good to those who hate them.  Christians should go the extra mile to live peaceably.  Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, ² for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. ³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

To claim someone is "complicit" in oppressing others, to accuse them of being a secret partner in crime, is to potentially wrongfully ascribe wrong.  Committing a crime with the aim to set things right is blatant hypocrisy and woefully misguided.  Because we live in a world full of sinners, injustice and hatred, there will be no shortage of legitimate offenses that confront us.  When we or others we know are treated cruelly and unjustly, we ought to bring our petitions in prayer before our just God who hears and answers.  Not only will He punish the wicked in due time, but He will also lovingly heal and restore broken souls who look to Him for wisdom, strength and hope in a hopeless world.  In turing the other cheek, we are to turn our eyes to Jesus who suffered unjustly on the cross and lay down His life to graciously extend forgiveness and salvation to us unworthy sinners.  What draws your focus:  injustices you have suffered or the just God who extends grace and mercy to us?