Enough! Enough!

The Old Testament law of retribution, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth," (Exodus 21:24) validates proportionate acts of violence against those who have committed violent acts against us.  It was not a word which condemned the violence, but one which sought to control it.  It was ineffective then even as it is now.  It is not enough to chop off a finger when there is a hand.  Anyone who has ever indulged in slapping another in a battle of insults understands that each one requires a bigger one in response.  When violence and anger and resentment is let out of the can, there is no end to the ever growing cloud of retribution.    

The only way for this destructive cycle to end is for someone to say, "Enough! Enough!"  Anyone who is really listening to Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount clearly hears these words coming from His mouth.  "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 evil an evildoer.  But, if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also..." (Matthew 5:38-39).  Jesus is telling those who would follow Him that at some point someone must step back and say, "Enough! No more!"  Only then can the cycle of getting even and vengeance be broken.  Only then can the power of evil and ugliness be overcome and replaced.     

It is not just one word from the Scripture that those immersed in cultural and ecclesiastical battles need to read, but surely this one from the Sermon needs plenty of meditation time.  In the Methodist tradition of which I am ordained, leaders on both sides are too intent on looking back with judgmental noses and pointed fingers.  Going forward is impossible in this world of escalating blame placing.  The answer is not in winning the war of words, but in saying from the heart, "Enough, No more!"  Such is also true in places of political leadership.  Is the future of our country going to be directed by spiraling out of control political power on both sides of the proverbial dividing aisle?  It seems to be our destiny unless we find a way to hear Jesus saying "Enough!  Enough!" and then make it not just His word but ours as well.