Technology has helped make people’s lives much easier – smart phones, microwaves, mobile banking, instant ticket booking… But instead of people becoming more joyful and patient, studies indicate that people have become more stressed, depressed, and angry. At the slightest provocation people respond with violence. Is it really possible to turn the other cheek in today’s hostile times?
Church members in Hejanpur were excited. Apostle Jagtap would be visiting them and conducting a Divine Service for the first time. Accompanied by Evangelist Solomon, the Apostle was excited to serve the congregation, and also dispense the sacrament of Holy Sealing. The Sunday school children were the first ones to felicitate and welcome the Apostle, followed by a group of very delighted brothers.
Jesus’ Cheek Therapy
Apostle Jagtap based his sermon on Matthew 5: 39-42, “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.” The Apostle emphasized that it was important for them all to follow everything Jesus had taught, especially in this day and age. It was not an easy task to follow what Jesus said – showing the other cheek when slapped. Though practically doing this seemed difficult, the people of God would be able to do it. The recipe: keep focused on Jesus and conquer evil with good; He never resisted whatever evil came his way. He never repaid the wrong doers for the wrong they did in his life. Instead of criticizing or resisting the evil people dished out on him, He asked God to show them mercy.
Apostle Jagtap left the people with Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” He exalted them to carry each other’s daily burdens. Jesus was their Saviour, and He would reward each of them for whatever good they did in their life.
Holy Sealing of Eight
Since an Apostle was visiting Hejanpur after such a long time, eight members were awaiting their Holy Sealing. The congregation was happy to bear witness to this sacred act as well as learn about the Holy Sealing and the role of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
It was a time of learning and rich fellowship which the congregation of Hejanpur will treasure for a very long time.