Turn The Other Cheek

Have you ever been frustrated by the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5 about turning the other cheek? So if I get punched in the face, I'm supposed to let my attacker punch me again? Is that really what it's saying? This is just the beginning of people not understanding exactly what is being taught. Just because I'm a Christian does not mean I have to let people walk all over me. Let's look at the context...

When Jesus speaks in Scripture (words in red), you have to understand that His audience are Jews. They are Jews who are living under the Mosaic law. That is, the 10 commandments and the 613 other laws that the Jews put into place to 'keep' one holy. (365 laws of things not to do, 248 laws of things they are to do). Talk about a list of rules! Therefore, when Jesus starts talking about turning the other cheek, these Jews would have known exactly what He was talking about. In this culture, the cheek was the symbol of relationship. To kiss one's cheek was a sign of peace and fellowship. To strike someone in the face meant that you were attacking the relationship. This is why in some cultures still today, to slap someone in the face is the ultimate sign of disrespect. When slapped, you were no longer friends. How dare someone disrespect you like that! But what Jesus is teaching is actually offensive to this crowd because He was challenging their pride and forgiveness. To turn the cheek meant to re offer the relationship. This kind of grace was unheard of! In fact, isn't it odd that Judas kissed Jesus on the cheek (a sign of peace and fellowship) when he was actually coming to betray Him. Have you ever noticed Jesus' response? In Matthew 26:50 Jesus says, "Do what you came for, friend." What?! Jesus calls Judas: friend?! If you didn't understand the meaning behind turning the other cheek, you would have missed Jesus doing so right here in this verse. The moment Judas goes to betray Jesus, Jesus still offers him grace. Jesus turned the other cheek immediately. Jesus re offered him the relationship right there on the spot. Notice that Judas was so filled with shame and condemnation that he missed the grace that God was offering. It wasn't that God didn't forgive Judas, it was that Judas couldn't forgive himself. This is where many Christians live today...

Understanding that the cheek was a symbol of relationship will help you understand exactly what Jesus was teaching these Jews in this culture and how this applies to us today. Grace is a beautiful thing because we do nothing to earn it. God is constantly turning His cheek to us as His grace covers us daily. Where in your life do you need to be offering grace to others? Or as Jesus would say, "where do you need to turn the other cheek?"

He Said What?!

Just heard the new Lil Wayne album and think it's funny how things change. I used to love jammin' to his songs claiming that I don't pay attention to the lyrics. I'd say things like, "I'm just loving the beat!" or "This one's good, it don't cuss." As if cussing is what makes his music 'explicit'. Do we even pay attention to what we listen to anymore? Or do we not notice because he uses different verbiage to make it sound cool? For example, his intro song talks about having sex with a shark. That ain't cool, that's weird. He talks about murdering people because that makes you tough and respectful, right? He talks about abuse like it's normal, sex like it's a game to see how many "hoes" you can sleep with, and drugs like they're cool and get you places in life.

The crazy thing is, we buy this stuff as if they're talking about something new! The reality is, we've heard all these songs before. It's not hard to talk about how many women you've conquered, how many overdoses and 'close calls' you've had, how hardcore you are, or how money has bought you happiness (which it clearly hasn't since you are constantly trying to escape reality with drugs). HELLOOOOO... Is that entertainment? Last time I checked, the most insecure people I know have to continue to let everyone know how awesome they think they are. As if killing people and slappin females makes you awesome.

This kind of music does not speak to real life nor does it benefit society. But our young people love it! It's a problem because there aren't a lot of awesome beats with positive messages that aren't corny and suck. In fact, Christianity has sat too long in the back seat, putting out rappers with poor flow and style and claiming it as music for God. I'm sorry, you just suck. Where are the artists that know how to speak truth in a raw and talented way and do it with excellence? Well, let me introduce you to one. His name is Andy Mineo and he is changing the game with strong lyrics and head banging beats. Oh, and the best part about his music? You leave encouraged and strengthened. In this culture of Hip Hop, we've allowed the same garbage to flow through our minds. As Andy puts it in his song 'You Will' he says, "Them strip clubs, money, drugs. Come on cuz, you borin us. We've heard it all before and I'm still unimpressed with that sort of stuff..." and he's right. It's time for this generation to talk about stuff that actually gets you places in life. His album drops April 16th. Go get it and support this 116 movement of being unashamed for the Gospel of Christ. This is real life! This message changes lives!