Hebrews 10:30
For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people."
-
Romans 12:19
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.
-
Deuteronomy 32:35
It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them."
---
In Ezekiel's time, he prophesied against the nations who acted against Judah and Israel. Even though Judah and Israel were brought to ruin by His hand, the Lord makes it clear that vengeance is His alone.
The authority of God brings about justice, while the ways of man bring about retribution, isolation, and injustice. When we do unto others as we would have done unto us, we are acting in love, despite the actions of our enemies. But when we react with retribution, we are claiming ourselves to be what is just. Blind retaliation is the fuel of evil.
-
Ezekiel 25:14
"And I will lay My vengeance upon Edom by the hand of My people Israel; and they shall do in Edom according to Mine anger and according to My fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD."
-
Ezekiel 25:3
"and say unto the children of Ammon: Hear the word of the Lord GOD: Thus saith the Lord GOD: Because thou saidst: Aha! against My sanctuary, when it was profaned, and against the land of Israel, when it was made desolate, and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity;"
-
Ezekiel 25:15
"Thus saith the Lord GOD: Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with disdain of soul to destroy, for the old hatred;"
---
When we consider control, we consider action that is made based on knowledge of good and evil. Knowledge gives a sense of control. But knowledge not based in Truth is incomplete. So knowledge becomes a weapon of blindness. When we seek understanding from the Holy Spirit, the knowledge we have is then rooted in the Truth, and wisdom is born. This is why we set our hearts on God, because everything is under His Authority. So a healthy fear of God is the beginning of a Love for Him.
-
Ephesians 4:21,22
21
when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.
22
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
-
Ephesians 4:30-32
30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
---
In Christ Jesus, we are called to seek out what is holy and replace our own desires with it in our acts. We are called to love our enemies, and in prayer; forgive those who trespass against us. In this way, we are honoring the authority of the Lord, and being as lambs for slaughter; innocent of retribution, and blameless in his sight.
-
1 Peter 1:16
14
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
15
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;
16
for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
---
This is what the Lord wanted from His nation Israel. He wanted them to have His holiness, His righteousness come through them for others to witness His Glory. Today, through Christ Jesus, believers are called to do the same. We are the body of Truth, of which Christ Jesus is the head. We are called to seek out what is holy and replace our own desires with His holiness in our acts.
Let the Lord bring justice. Let perfect knowledge based in Truth separate you from those around you. Do not return to a false sense of control. Yes, you will suffer in denial of yourself. No, your enemies and loved ones will not understand. But allowing holiness to come through your acts will leave you blameless. Blameless before God who judges each person by their heart.
We know that the Lord exacts justice in a perfect way.
-
Hebrews 10:30,31
30
For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”
31
It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
-
No comments:
Post a Comment