Under the old law punishments could be very severe.  “Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death. Whoever takes an animal’s life shall make it good, life for life. If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him, fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him.  Whoever kills an animal shall make it good, and whoever kills a person shall be put to death.  You shall have the same rule for the sojourner and for the native, for I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 24:17-22)  These were laws to be enforced by those in power, but some people had tried to use them as excuses to carry out retaliation for themselves.  In His sermon on the mount, Jesus refutes the idea of retaliation.  “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.  And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” (Matthew 5:38-41)  As Christians this is the law that we are to follow today.  No matter how bad we may want to get revenge on someone, God tells us to do good toward that enemy and leave the revenging to Him.  “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19)

Today’s reading: Leviticus 22-23