Revenge

  Have you noticed yourself getting angry when you see injustice in films and in the news? Does this happen to you often? If so, then this post is for you. To be honest and upfront, I find myself in this situation frequently these days, and I believe it is a matter for prayer. Christians often talk about 'righteous anger' and the difficulty in discerning whether we are experiencing it or not on a given occasion. Why is it difficult to discern whether this is the case? Because, 'The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?' (Jeremiah 17:9, KJV.)

  Clearly the matter is tricky. On the one hand, anger at real injustice is a normal and valid reaction. On the other hand, we are guilty of self-deception if we believe we haven't sinned and of hypocrisy if we judge others while continuing to sin ourselves. I suggest, then, that part of the problem, part of what gives it intensity, is an inner, secret recognition of the fact that we ourselves are not perfect. Part of it is to do with patience and acceptance of God's authority in the matter, trusting Him to see that justice is finally met. 'Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.' (Romans 12:19, KJV.)

  The Beloved Apostle, John, exhibited anger during the Lord's ministry. Passing through the territory of Samaria, a certain village refused to receive Jesus (though not all - He made many converts among the Samaritans). John and James became angry at this and asked Jesus, 'Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?' (Luke 9:54, ESV.) Jesus' reply was not what they expected: 'You do not know what manner of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man came not to destroy people’s lives but to save them' (Luke 9:55, ESV). It is this same John, who, after years of the Holy Spirit's work in his life, wrote, 'God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.' (1 John 4:16, NIV.)

  We'd all like to see justice given on the spot, to see guilty people answer for their crimes, but where would we be then? In this life we'd have anarchy, danger as people carried out vendettas. In the next life, we'd all be in Hell. God is not like that. His Ark of the Covenant contained the Ten Commandments, by which we are all convicted of sin, but it was the Mercy Seat that rested on top. Be comforted: when Christ comes again He will usher in an age of justice. But in the meantime, see yourself in other people - why should they be punished, but you not? Understand your Father in Heaven: 'The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.' (2 Peter 3:9, KJV.)

God bless.