RESISTANCE

“What I say to you is: offer no resistance to injury.” —Matthew 5:39

We are not to resist injury, but we are to “resist the devil” and he will flee from us (Jas 4:7). In fact, we are to charge the gates of hell, which cannot prevail against us (Mt 16:18). We should give the devil resistance plus aggression. However, we must offer no resistance to insult from people. We should not avenge ourselves (Rm 12:19). We should not be resisting and fighting human forces but Satan (Eph 6:12).
At first, this approach seems unrealistic and doomed to failure. Look at how the unresisting Naboth was murdered by the unscrupulous Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kgs 21:13). Look at Jesus, the mute Lamb, slaughtered on Calvary (Is 53:7). Yet look at the final outcome. The Lord raised up Elijah to deal with Ahab and Jezebel, and the whole wicked nation was brought down. Likewise, Jesus’ lack of resistance on Calvary brought down the kingdom of darkness. The most resistant hearts were broken open and humanity was saved.

Prayer: Father, by faith may I be able to move in the realm of the invisible and claim Your power.

Promise: “When a person strikes you on the right cheek, turn and offer him the other. If anyone wants to go to law over your shirt, hand him your coat as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him two miles.” —Mt 5:39-41

Praise: When tempted to return to his addiction Robert calls on the Holy Name of Jesus.