Today's "My Utmost For His Highest" can sometimes be a very hard Word to accept, but always remember that when the God of the Bible tells us something to do, it is ALWAYS for the purpose of getting, and keeping, us in position to receive His very best!
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. — Matthew 5:39
These verses reveal the humiliation of being a Christian. Naturally, if a man does not hit back, it is because he is a coward; but spiritually if a man does not hit back, it is a manifestation of the Son of God in him. When you are insulted, you must not only not resent it, but make it an occasion to exhibit the Son of God. You cannot imitate the disposition of Jesus; it is either there or it is not. To the saint personal insult becomes the occasion of revealing the incredible sweetness of the Lord Jesus.
The teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is not — Do your duty, but — Do what is not your duty. It is not your duty to go the second mile, to turn the other cheek, but Jesus says if we are His disciples we shall always do these things. There will be no spirit of — “Oh, well, I cannot do any more, I have been so misrepresented and misunderstood.” ...
Never look for right in the other man, but never cease to be right yourself. We are always looking for justice; the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is — Never look for justice, but never cease to give it. AMEN! One verse that I know, by personal experience, is completely and inescapably true is Romans 12:19:
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord.
"Vengeance" here is NOT the "get even" emotion and idea of the world, but is God's divine justice at work! It is the Greek word "ekdikesis". One of the definitions is vindication. Vindication means: to justify, absolve of guilt, to clear from accusation or suspicion, to defend against opposition. Refuse to take the persecution of the enemy seriously! Cast that care on the God of the Bible and allow HIM to completely vindicate YOU! When the God of the Bible does something, it is ALWAYS done right, with awesome results! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with a song that will make it easier for us to "turn the other cheek" and allow God to truly be in control! "Closer Than You Know":
Shalom in Him!
