Is God’s vengeance different from what our vengeance would look like? When reading the Psalms and learning that David asked God to wipe his enemies off the face of the earth, we see quite a contrast with how Jesus teaches us to pray for our enemies and to “do good to those that despitefully use us.” (Matthew 5:44) It makes me wonder what is God’s vengeance, and why it is His, and not ours?
I think of the apostles wanting to send fire down on a Samaritan city because the people were not welcoming. Not only did Jesus rebuke them sternly, but another Samaritan city was blessed with revival when Jesus broke several social and religious rules when speaking with a Samaritan woman at the well. And Jonah was angry with God because of his mercy on Nineveh as He sent undeserved revival. If vengeance was given according to human wishes, outcomes would be different.
God is love. God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness. Can His vengeance be outside of His love, His light? I know that human vengeance has little to do with love and is without light. Perhaps this is why Jesus tells us in Romans 12:17-21, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written” ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay’,” says the Lord.
We live in an angry, vengeful world. We are not called to bring vengeance. That is God’s part. We can rest in His merciful hands.
By: Susan Kewin
~ Christ Fellowship