Good Monday morning...
… and I was asked an interesting question after church regarding my teaching of the beatitudes and the issue of retaliation. It was a good question since it was stated that we are not to retaliate, and the question concerned the right to defend oneself – like Israel is doing. Hmmm, good question, but in reference to the teaching on the hill that Jesus gave to His disciples, He informed all who follow Him to restrain from retaliation… “blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” The answer I gave referenced the context of Jesus’ teaching.
The “Sermon on the Mount” was Jesus’ instructions to His disciples. It was aimed at the people who were considered His disciples. And while it should have implications for everyone, regardless of their role in national defense, it was instruction given to individuals concerning the character the Lord requires of them. I don’t think that the application to foreign or domestic governments is what’s at the heart of this teaching. However, I hope that those who are in positions of national leadership will be blessed with the character of Christ and will lead with the intelligence of trusting God for wisdom and guidance in decisions that have such devastating effects as those we have been witnessing from Ukraine and Gaza, for example.
Here is where I think the heart of Jesus and His teaching of the beatitudes is relevant. Seeing the destruction of civilian lives and what is referred to as “collateral damage” causes me to cringe when I think of the folks living in those buildings that have been hit with bombs… like we began to see after February of 2022 in Ukraine, and what we see today of so much of Gaza. When I stop and think about the violence and destruction that have disrupted so much life, I pray for an end to the bombing. Peacemakers are concerned with the end of oppression, the restoration of peace between people and their God who created them, the experience of peace between themselves and their loved ones, and for us who are following Jesus, ultimately for peace with our enemies.
I can see where I might communicate a criticism of national defense decisions of Israel, and again, I don’t believe that is the direct application of the beatitudes. However, if I am to truly follow Jesus as His disciple and seek to apply His teaching to my life and relationships, then I cannot help it when my heart aches for those thousands of civilians who have been destroyed or displaced by war. My prayer for those who are in leadership positions of international influence will have the heart and mind of Christ to guide them… and that His mercy will reign.
On the home front, and for application of Jesus’ teaching to your life and mine, we are forbidden to retaliate, it is uncharacteristic of our faith. Vengeance belongs to the Lord. Seeking peace with everyone, as far as it depends on me, is my mission. Next Sunday I will be focused on Jesus’ teaching on our influence, like that of salt and light… healing and illuminating influences… which I hope will inspire more good questions!
For His glory,
Pastor Mike