Jesus did not get his Revenge!

This is the Nicene creed that I say every sunday at church. The line, Jesus suffered, died and was buried... jumps at me today. I just think, during that time, what did Jesus do? He suffered without uttering a word, like a lamb being led to the slaughterhouse!

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us men and our salvation He came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary , and became man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the scriptures: He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son, He is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Think about it. We are usually tempted in life to repay people with an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Such is human nature. But that was in the Old Testament. When Jesus came, he revolutionised our relationship with God into a 'love' relationship. His 1st commandment - is to LOVE God and second to LOVE our neighbour. Love entails forgiveness.



Well, it "doesn't" help that I am currently watching some korean drama right now called 'Cruel Temptations' and the main gist is about revenge.. haha.

The whole juicy part of the show is that one party has suffered so much injustice, that she sets on a whole elaborate plan to pay her inflictors back all the pain she has received. And yes, I actually watch it with relish. Even my mum and aunty penny are crazily watching this drama man.

But what is the lesson learnt? I am only halfway into the story in fact, but can already guess. That revenge only begets further revenge, hatred begets hatred. It is a never-ending cycle of hurt, torment and pain inflicted on others in revenge only bounces back onto oneself.

Nevertheless, I still hope for her justice to come about one day and hope of seeing a happy-ever-after ending. I don't know. Still halfway.

And so tonight, just thought about how Jesus suffered and died on the cross.... Not a word of revenge. Instead, he said "Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing".

Does a dying person say this?

If Jesus could forgive even while he was in so much pain, the question I ask is that maybe we can also? because He'd like us to forgive?
Well, this small reflection has given me strength to labor on in love for Love is patient, love is kind.... etc

I shall have to remember this:

Phil 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.