Sunday, 17^th September 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: VICTIM OR VICTOR?

THEME SCRIPTURE: “But I say unto you, that you resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.” – Matthew 5:39

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What did Jesus mean by ‘do not resist evil’?

 

There are many people walking in life who have become victims of circumstances or the way people have treated them. Thus, their choices in life are not as a result of their independent reflection but rather reflections on what others have done or not done, for or against them. Such people are slaves to circumstances; their lives have been set on a course by the choices and actions of others. Jesus, knowing how easy anyone of us can become a victim of life's circumstances or the action and inaction of those around us, offered His disciples the way of freedom.

This way, which is His way, guarantees that the disciple is in charge of his life. After all, no man or devil should dictate the pace of your life but Christ alone.

Jesus, our Lord and Master, prescribes that though we have heard that an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth (Matt 5:38), we [His disciples] are not to resist evil (Matt 5:39). In other words, don't revenge evil or plan and execute a counterattack. A story is told of how the devil came into a peaceful community and started a havoc. All the devil had to do was to release a tied donkey belonging to a rich man. This donkey went wild in a farmer's field, destroying his crops. The farmer's got angry and shot the donkey dead. The rich man was not amused by this so he took his gun and shot the farmer. The farmer’s wife came home to see the dead husband and instructed her sons to go and burn down the house of the rich man at night whiles he is asleep. They did, but unfortunately the rich man was not home. This rich man returned to find his house gone. He took his gun again and went killing the farmer’s wife and two sons.

All that the devil needed to do to create this havoc was to release the donkey and the logic of revenge kept the havoc in motion. Many became victims of one act—a donkey going wild.

Precious one, today, you can find families that are being torn apart because of the logic of revenge and unforgiveness. Tribal wars and nations rising up against another all because the devil released the wild donkey and the chain of victimization continues. Others are bitter in life, but the question remain: “Are you a victim or victor? Are you free or a slave of circumstances?

Beloved, the key Jesus gave to us, ensuring that we maintain our freedom, is love. Love is the believer's supreme ethic and the distinguishing characteristic of Christian character.

Recompense no man evil for evil. Rather provide things honest in the sight of all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves... But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink... Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good (Rom 12:17-21). Beloved, always remember that good was not meant to fight evil; good was meant to reform evil. When someone smite you on the right cheek, show him the love of Christ. Love is the only ‘good’ which can transform or reform evil, and make you a victor. Remain blessed.

 

FURTHER READING – Romans 12:17-21

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so. 

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Are you still a victim or victor in every area of your life?
2. Is there someone or something that has affected you and still affects you negatively?

 

CONFESSION

Precious Jesus, your words are supreme and I choose to be a victor all my days. Henceforth, I yield to your word rather than what others do to affect me negatively. I make no room for wrath or vengeance in my life. I am loving all men as you, Lord, have loved me. Hallelujah!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

2 Kings 24; 1 Kings 25; Ezekiel 13; Luke 9