October 1999 - Verse of the Week

Have you ever been hurt by words of insults? Perhaps the emotional scars are still there today as a result of a few damaging words once spoken to you. Or perhaps you have even dished out a few of these words yourself. I know whenever someone has ever insulted me I would do all I could to quickly conjure up an insulting reply, seeking revenge upon the one who initiated the insult. However, as this verse clearly states, Jesus himself did not retaliate. He did not seek revenge or think up of some revengeful words of wrath. He probably could've easily called down brimstone, lightning, or fire upon the people if He so chose. But He didn't, "instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." He simply gave it to His Father to be the judge of these people.

Aside from all that Jesus had to endure, He spoke these most memorable words that forever changed the course of history,

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."(Luke 23:34)

So, after being horribly beaten earlier in the day, a crown of thorns thrusted upon His head, and finally his tortured body nailed to the cross, He not only received many insults, but He forgave them as they were doing so? How anyone is able to do such a thing perplexes me. It is totally incomprehensible. It is human nature to seek revenge, either directly or indirectly, upon anyone who invades or attacks our emotional or physical boundaries. How anyone can endure such a physical and emotional beating and suffer the shame of the cross such as Jesus suffered and still love and forgive, totally amazes me. Perhaps we will never fully understand. However, one thing is very clear, this is true love. A love that has never been nor will there ever be such as that of what Christ has shown to us. So, the next time you are insulted by someone, just envision Jesus on the cross.

Gregory B. Dill