8th. March. 2021. Daily Devotion.
38 ‘You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:38-42
Here is a challenging passage.
To understand how radical this verse is intended to be, one must understand the value of a cloak in ancient Judea. It was the rock-bottom survival tool, and not only in winter. To a person without a roof, it was his bed and his blanket. A Jew who took someone’s cloak as security for a loan was required to lend it back to him at nightfall. (Exodus 22:26-27)
So, how many people reading this verse will actually follow it? Very few, if any, especially if the claim would severely affect our lifestyle. But we must know, and admit to ourselves, that if we fight a lawsuit, we are committing a sin. To pretend that this verse does not mean what it says is worse than knowing what it says and realizing we are not following it. Better to be a hypocrite, than to shut our eyes to God. For if we know our sin, the knowledge at least accomplishes the purpose of the Law: to show us our sin, that we might understand our absolute need for Christ.
Lord, let me never distort your Word to justify my behaviour. Amen. M Barge.
Prayer to Receive God’s Word
Holy Lord, who has given me the facility to hear and understand, let me receive your Word with an open mind and clear eye. Whenever I read your Scripture, let your Holy Spirit guide me to the truth, setting aside my preconception and self-justification.
I pray to hear what you intend for me to hear. And help me always to an attitude of humility in my study, keeping in mind always to use your Word as a guide that will lead me on the path to salvation, never as a tool to justify my faulty and selfish thought; for I am justified by faith. Amen.
Coronavirus Prayer
God of all hope we call on you today.
We pray for those who are living in fear:
Fear of illness, fear for loved ones, fear of other’s reactions to them.
May your Spirit give us a sense of calmness and peace.
We pray for your church in this time of uncertainty.
For those people who are worried about attending worship.
For those needing to make decisions in order to care for other
For those who will feel more isolated by not being able to attend.
Grant us your wisdom.
Holy God, we remember that you have promised that
Nothing will separate us from your love – demonstrated to us in Jesus Christ.
Help us turn our eyes, hearts and minds to you. Amen
Lenten Prayer for Women and Girls
Loving God, we pray for women and girls today, especially those who struggle just to survive. Inspire us to speak and work for equality and justice, so that each person is able to fulfil their potential. Amen.
