Esther 9: 5-6 So the Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, slaughtering, and destroying them, and did as they pleased to those who hated them. In the citadel of Su'sa the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred people.
Luke 6: 27-29 "But I say to you who listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt."
This passage in Esther tells of a time when the exiled Jews were given sanction by the government of King Ahasuerus to strike out at and destroy their enemies who had been plotting to destroy them. They took full advantage of this opportunity to settle the score and take vengeance on their ancestral foes. Jesus message in Luke directs a much different response.
Vengeance, justice, retribution, settling the score... Call it what you will, the idea of giving as good as we got and not letting harm go unpunished is a strong motivating force for us human beings. What a radical message it was that Jesus preached to his followers. He would have us meet violence and abuse with love and kindness. It is a message that is radical and very uncommon two thousand years later, but it is none the less a signature message of our Lord. Our society and our natural instincts don't call us to let people do with us as they will, but Jesus tells us that getting even does not lead to the life eternal. My inclination to trade rude remarks and nasty attitudes with those determined to share them with me is as strong as any ones. He is showing me over time that this will only lead to more anger and frustration and doesn't invite Him into these tense situations.
Father God, please give me the grace and peace to take a moment to consider my response before I lash out at an already angry, frustrated person. Amen.
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Hey, did you copy from my paper? I'm kidding. But it is kinda cool that we've been reading lots of old testament scripture about killing and yet this particular scripture really brought out the contrast between the attitude of vengeance and the message of Jesus. And thanks for what you wrote. I noticed the contrast but somehow didn't really get to the application part. I really like what you wrote. :-)
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