Two Cakes

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Scripture Matthew 5:39-42

 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.[1]

 

Meditation:

Recently there has been a lot of attention paid to religious liberties in this country. Upon reflection it seems to me that our country may not be in a place where it is very friendly to religious liberty. So many other voices are demanding to be heard in our culture that it is hard for those of us who hold religious liberties to be so dear to get a fair hearing. I do not think we should give up the fight all together. But I think the scripture above may provide us a way forward through the cultural fog that has developed.

The culture that Jesus operated in was not overly friendly to religious folks. The Romans who were in charge could admit or deny religious liberty at their whim. People were forced to carry Roman soldiers gear for up to a mile. Jesus suggested going two miles instead. If one was sued one should give up a cloak as well as a tunic. If physical violence was used the offended party was to offer the other cheek as well.

I know this runs against the grain of modern society to behave in this way. But it seems to be the Lord’s command to us. If we are sued to produce one cake for a same-sex function we perhaps ought to produce two cakes. A rebellious idea I know but isn’t that what Jesus is saying here. Our mercy ought to exceed what is expected. Generosity and love should be what we are known for,

Standing by the letter of the law of our beliefs does not win anyone to Christ. Extending hospitality even to those we disagree with will cause them to wonder what we are up to. We need to ask the Lord to help us to treat even those we might consider our enemies with unconditional love, so that the name of Jesus will be praised on all accounts.

 

Prayer:

Lord of all the nations, we praise you. Give us wisdom to follow your ways even when they seem to make no sense. Grant a double portion of your love to your followers. Help us win this  culture over with your love. In Jesus blessed name, Amen



[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Mt 5:39–42.

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