The Bible teaches us that vengeance belongs to God, and it's essential to leave room for His divine justice. This principle is rooted in Scripture, reminding us that God is the ultimate judge and avenger. Here are biblical examples that illustrate the importance of leaving vengeance to God:
1. Romans 12:19 - "Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay"
This verse explicitly states that vengeance belongs to God. When we seek revenge, we're taking matters into our own hands, rather than trusting God to execute justice.
2. Leviticus 19:18 - "Love Your Neighbor as Yourself"
This commandment emphasizes the importance of loving and forgiving others, rather than seeking revenge. By loving our neighbors, we're demonstrating God's love and leaving room for His justice.
3. Matthew 5:38-42 - "Turn the Other Cheek"
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us to turn the other cheek, rather than seeking revenge. This principle demonstrates our trust in God's justice and our commitment to loving our enemies.
4. 1 Samuel 24:1-15 - David Spares Saul's Life
David had the opportunity to kill King Saul, who was seeking to destroy him. However, David chose to spare Saul's life, recognizing that God was the ultimate judge and avenger.
5. Genesis 50:15-21 - Joseph Forgives His Brothers
Joseph's brothers had sold him into slavery, but when he had the opportunity to exact revenge, he chose to forgive them instead. Joseph recognized that God had used his brothers' actions to bring about good.
6. Acts 7:54-60 - Stephen Forgives His Persecutors
As Stephen was being stoned, he prayed for God to forgive his persecutors. Stephen's example demonstrates that even in the face of extreme persecution, we can choose to forgive and leave vengeance to God.
7. 2 Chronicles 24:22 - Joash's Failure to Leave Vengeance to God
King Joash's failure to leave vengeance to God ultimately led to his downfall. Joash had the high priest's son killed, which led to God's judgment against him. This example serves as a warning to trust God's justice rather than taking matters into our own hands.
In conclusion, the Bible teaches us that vengeance belongs to God. By leaving room for His divine justice, we demonstrate our trust in His sovereignty and our commitment to loving our enemies. As we navigate the challenges of life, let us remember to trust God's justice and avoid taking revenge into our own hands.
The Wicked May Think They've Gotten Away, But God Sees All
Psalm 94:7-11, "They say, 'The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive.' Understand, you foolish people; when will you be wise? He who planted the ear, does He not hear? He who formed the eye, does He not see? He who disciplines the nations, does He not punish? He who teaches man knowledge— does He not know?"
God sees all, and He will not let the wicked go unpunished. In our world, it's easy to think that we can get away with sin, that no one is watching, and that we won't face consequences. But the Bible tells us that God is always watching, and He will ultimately hold us accountable for our actions.
The Wicked Think They've Gotten Away
The Psalmist writes, "They say, 'The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive.'" This is the mindset of the wicked. They think they can sin and get away with it, that God is not paying attention. But this thinking is foolish. God is all-knowing, all-seeing, and all-powerful.
God Sees All
The Psalmist reminds us that God planted the ear and formed the eye. He is the Creator of all things, and He is intimately aware of everything that happens. He hears every word, sees every action, and knows every thought. There is nothing that escapes His notice.
God Will Not Let the Wicked Go Unpunished
The Bible teaches us that God is a God of justice. He will not let the wicked go unpunished. In Psalm 94:23, we read, "He will bring upon them their own iniquity and cut them off in their own wickedness; the Lord our God will cut them off." God will ultimately hold the wicked accountable for their sins.
Conclusion
So, what does this mean for us? It means that we must not think we can sin and get away with it. We must not think that God is not watching. We must live our lives with the knowledge that God sees all and will ultimately hold us accountable for our actions. Let us strive to live holy lives, pleasing to God. Let us repent of our sins and turn to God for forgiveness. And let us trust in God's justice, knowing that He will ultimately bring about righteousness and justice.
Application
Live your life with the knowledge that God sees all.
Repent of your sins and turn to God for forgiveness.
Trust in God's justice, knowing that He will ultimately bring about righteousness and justice.
Do not think you can sin and get away with it. Instead, strive to live a holy life, pleasing to God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, which reminds us that You see all and will ultimately hold us accountable for our actions. Help us to live holy lives, pleasing to You. Give us the strength to repent of our sins and turn to You for forgiveness. And help us to trust in Your justice, knowing that You will ultimately bring about righteousness and justice. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
