tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8760304813422187836.post2262499958322904683..comments2023-10-21T09:01:42.008-07:00Comments on hanlyblog: SOTM 25: Headed SomewhereKevin Hanlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10254335325357149993noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8760304813422187836.post-47932055109493132842009-03-24T18:07:00.000-07:002009-03-24T18:07:00.000-07:00Kevin:I recall a wonderful sermon on this notion o...Kevin:<BR/>I recall a wonderful sermon on this notion of giving more than what is being demanded of us. The scriptures do not translate well in this age. In Jesus day, it was fine for a "superior" to strike you on the right cheek...with the back of their own right hand. Turning the other cheek was inviting them to hit you again, with palm of the same hand, which was considered rude, even cruel. The idea of the tunic and carrying a load further than asked was to embarass the person making demands on you with your level of servitude. A Roman soldier, in Jesus day, could "legally" demand you carry his pack for 1 mile, but no further. Carrying the load an extra mile would have put the soldier in a predicament, as he knew someone could put him on report. In these cases, the persecuted and abused actually are in a position of power over the persecutor, as they now control how the persecutor is viewed. It is not a position of lowly servitude, but is (thru service and humility) stated quite loudly to all who see, that you are human, have rights, and are willing to make the choice to do more than is asked, to (as Romans 12 states) "heap coals of fire upon their heads". When Christians use these principles to make clear and highlight injustice (by risking their own persecution and being unjustly used) then, we are truly engaging and impacting our world for good, for Christ and ultimately for the Kingdom of God on earth.mrheinrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00925256581024665672noreply@blogger.com