What is Christ's supernatural call to us?
Only the unafraid, courageous, bold and noble can refrain from vengeance. The cowardly also avenge—in their own way, quietly. Only those who are forgiven can refrain from vengeance! Those in whom the life of Christ and His courage dwell.
To turn the other cheek and respond with dignity requires only one possessed of His power. The way our Lord did it reveals the essence of this principle: "Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?" (John 18:23).
Only a citizen of heaven can easily part with earthly treasures. Jesus teaches us not to cling to clothing and earthly riches, but to release them without regret. Only those who possess incomparably greater things act thus.
Only the invincible citizen of His Kingdom can willingly and wholeheartedly serve beyond what is required.
Only those possessing something incomparably greater can give freely and forgive debt. Freedom in the heart from materialism, and the dominion of love over what is visible and desired, comes from Above. Christ teaches us to exchange the temporal for the eternal.
How then is God's rule established on earth?
God executes His earthly judgment through authority: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers: for there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God" (Rom. 13:1-8).
God conducts His governance through earthly authority. It is appointed to establish God's order on earth, and we submit to it—provided it does not transgress the boundaries of God's will. Otherwise, we say with Peter and the apostles: "...We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law" (Rom. 13:3-8).
Our responsibility is to render unto authority what is due: taxes, respect, honor. Those who protect us from evil deserve our full support, not criticism and mockery. This is why we pray for our authorities today and support their endeavors in every way.
What does Jesus call us to, breaking our stereotypes?
