January 14

Matthew 5:33-42 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

v. 33 - Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.
v. 37 - Let what you say be simply Yes or No; anything more than this comes from evil.
vv. 38, 39 - 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 the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Observation

Jesus gives clear instructions on how we should live our lives. In vv.33-37, Jesus wants us to be crystal clear in our actions and words and whichever promise made to God must be carried out with complete integrity. Jesus instructs to not use the Lord's name in vain by taking an oath in heaven, earth and our head, for everything belongs to God even the hair on our head. Jesus wants us to be truthful with a simple Yes or No. No need to elaborate in trying to make unnecessary promises.

In following up with those thoughts, Jesus turns directly to how we should behave to our adversaries in vv. 38-42. He tells us to turn the other cheek, give away our cloak, and walk extra two miles. Jesus teaches us to become peacemakers. As radical as this might have sounded in the cultural context of Jesus, it is a direct reference to living a truthful life with integrity as described in vv. 33-37. This is all the more reason why we do not need to make unnecessary oath, but rather it is more important to live out our lives with integrity.

Application

I am reminded of the phrase "less is more" when I read this verse. Especially in vv. 33-37 where so often I get tangled in trying to explain, elaborate, and protect my identity and actions. But Jesus is certain that speaking truth is what pleases God and that the less I speak in explaining my cause and more I do in building God's Kingdom is the importance. And living with integrity in Christ allows me to automatically become a peacemaker to my brother, my sister and the community that God has entrusted me. Thus, I want to explain myself less and live in truth for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that He would be exulted more.

Prayer

Father, I must first repent of my selfish ways. Forgive me as I have sought to use You as an excuse rather than living through You in action. For you know all things and I do not need to try to explain my actions but act in ways that will honor You. And thus in living my life with integrity in and through You, that will automatically cause me to be a peacemaker in this world. Thank you Father for Your strong and yet loving ways in teaching Your children about the truth of Your heart!

--calebskim