Copy and paste the link into your browser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJrOx-DpvOY
or search YouTube for ‘Eye for an Eye:
Matthew 5:38-41 (Bible Study with Hand Hanegraaff)
By Bible Answer Man
[Jesus teaching] “’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 an evil person but whoever slaps you on your
right cheek, turn the other to him also.
If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat
also. Whoever forces you to go one mile,
go with him two. Give to him who asks of
you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.’” Matthew
5:38
[God speaking] “’If a man takes the life of any human
being, he shall surely be put to death.
The one who takes the life of an animal shall make it good, life for
life. If a man injures his neighbour,
just as he has done, so it shall be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for
tooth; just as he has injured a man, so it shall be inflicted on him.
“’Thus the one who kills an animal shall make it good,
but the one who kills a man shall be put to death. There shall be one standard for you; it shall
be for the stranger as well as the native, for I am the Lord your God.’” Leviticus
24:20
The Jews of Jesus day must have been so confused. They had waited lifetimes for the Messiah,
they had come to believe would be a mighty military leader who would conquer
the Roman occupiers of their lands.
And here was Jesus, a scruffy, unremarkable man who continually
spouted off about heart attitude. When
they brought up this ‘eye for an eye’, Jesus set them straight.
This law was designed to demonstrate God’s mercy and justice
and was given to judges to guide them to ensure they meted out punishment that fit
the crime -- not a guide for personal revenge (Exodus 21:23-25, Leviticus 24:19-20,
Deuteronomy 19:21). It was meant to LIMIT
vengeance.
But vengeance is nearly irresistible! Even today, people continue to excuse their acts of revenge by saying, ‘He
hit me first!’ When we are wronged often
our natural reaction is to get even -- whether we do something about that wrong
or just think about how good it would feel to do it.
Instead Jesus said we should do good to those who wrong
us! Our desire should not be to keep
score, but to love and forgive. This is
NOT natural – it’s supernatural, and only God can give us the strength to love as
He does. Instead of planning vengeance,
pray for those who hurt you.
When we do we may
initially look like a fool, but it confounds and confuses those who would take
matters into their own hands and can give us an opening to introduce the One
who changes hearts.
Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still
prays for you each day)
PS: Find my
statement of faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you
will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily
find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay
Devotion’. (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app
you can download to read them on your phone.
Not sure about Apple.). For the
books, go Amazon
books.
NEW
PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)
· Eddy – has cancer in
his bladder and kidneys. The surgery to
remove one of his kidney was successful and he is now home. They will begin radiation or chemo soon. Please pray for him and those who care for
and support him during this time, especially his health-care providers.
· Annette’s Dad – is recovering after his accident and brain
bleed. He is now recovering and will
soon have another CATSCAN. Pray God prepares the hearts and strengthen those
who love this man for this challenging time -- and pray for his caregivers as
he heals and recovers.
· Maria Nienhaus, the mother of Hans has been taken to the hospital for tests and treatment
for an undiagnosed illness (not COVID).
Please pray for her carers and those who love her so much.
· Jasper, Bec and Nev – new youth pastors at our
church. They are still at Moore College
and living on campus. Pray for balance
between their academic, church and family life.
· UPDATE - The horror of war
in Ukraine – Please pray for the people
caught in the cross-fires of this war, and especially strength for Christians
of this country and that God’s sends encouragement and help in unexpected ways
to save Ukraine and our world from the potential devastation of a third world
war.
· Update - Unprecedented
Floods in New South Wales, Australia -
the rains have stopped but are expected to begin again in a few days Clean up from previous floodings starts and
stops. So many are dealing with the resulting
devastation and loss. Continue to pray
for those who have lost loved ones, their homes and all their possessions and
especially for those providing care and support of those affected.
·
Simon and Tamara and
their children – Simon (my pastor) has been chosen to support the
Lord’s work in a new, more far-reaching way.
Help them prepare throughout this year for the new challenges that await
them. And when Simon takes up the new
role, let him fill it with the same grace, devotion and love he has
consistently demonstrated while at St. Marks.
Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with them and their decision.
·
Elina – has asked for prayer. Please hold her us as she struggles through
some personal issues and is feeling overwhelmed.
·
Ray Jr. –Pray the Lord holds Ray Jr. (and his brothers)
closely as they grieve and deal with the practical matters after the loss of
their father. Give Kathy (Ray’s wife) strength and wisdom as she
supports him during this time.
·
Christine – give her strength as she journeys to
heart-healing.
·
Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his
47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23). Pray the Lord comforts the family through
this time of mourning. Pray for their wisdom
and that God will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the
many decisions that now must be made.
· Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and
Rachael – now in her second year of college.
Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions
and continues having a good relationship with the Lord.
·
Barb –
my brother’s faithful and kind wife.
Thank you for praying for her.
She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy
during this time of additional stress and challenge at work.
·
Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend. She is chronically unwell and frail. Please pray for her, her parents and health
carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.
·
Hans –
a dear friend in Germany, the cancer seems to be stable for now. Pray for his financial situation to improve
and for his ongoing strength through the pain when it comes. Pray for his patience and God’s mercy. Pray for his healthcare providers and that he
is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support
him through this journey. Pray for his
Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with
extraordinary good memories and lots of love.
·
Callilah
- a lost child. Pray the Lord will
capture her heart.
Pray for those in full-time service
Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil. Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.
Pray for those with ongoing health concerns
Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health. Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.
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