Vengeance Belongs To God
BRD REFLECTIONS:
2 Kings 2:1-25 and Psalm 94:1-11 (NIV)
(Tan Chin Meng, SGM Zone 9, Assistant Zone Leader)
READ:
The verses that caught my attention from Psalm 94 were:
1 The Lord is a God who avenges.
O God who avenges, shine forth.
2 Rise up, Judge of the earth;
pay back to the proud what they deserve.
3 How long, Lord, will the wicked,
how long will the wicked be jubilant?
10 Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?
11 The Lord knows all human plans;
he knows that they are futile.
OBSERVE:
In Psalm 94, the Psalmist speaks to God about justice and sinners. He cried out to the Lord and asked how long wicked people would triumph. It is a call for God to rise up against the wicked with a strong petition that God’s righteous rule be established over all people, especially evil doers. It is a prayer for God’s judgement but the Psalmist recognised and committed that works of vengeance belong to God. (v1-3).
Psalm 94 also highlights the thought processors of evil doers: they think God does not care about or notice their wicked deeds and that they are accountable to no one for what they say or do (v4-7). Sometimes we have similar thoughts when we sin; we think that God doesn’t care about or see what is happening. But God knows everything, even the depths of our sinful hearts; we are all naked and exposed before God (v8-11; 1 John 3:20).
APPLY:
This Psalm reminds me to trust in the Lord, to walk in His truth, and have unwavering faith in Him. When I am wronged, unjustly criticized or persecuted, I will understandably be distressed and perplexed.
I must not avenge myself, because God has said, vengeance is His. He is just and He has the authority to avenge wrong. Romans 12:19 tell us: ”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.”
Instead, I will appeal with boldness to God and seek His wisdom and guidance. I will remain composed and have faith that our God is a God of justice and He will vindicate the innocent in His time.
It is important to stay close to God and separate myself from unrighteous and evil influences. I should allow the Holy Spirit to examine my heart and motivations so as to guide my actions and behaviour. This way, I will be less likely to sin.
DO:
I will:
- continue my walk with integrity, trusting in God’s faithfulness and turning to Him for deliverance in times of tribulation and fair treatment
- stay close and faithfully follow Him, reading, learning and applying His word regularly and obediently in my daily living
- humble myself and prayerfully seek guidance and wisdom against evil influences and positively reflect the goodness of God
PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, I trust in Your righteous justice and divine vengeance. Help me Lord, to walk righteously. Lead and protect me from evil influences. You are my shield, my rock and my strength.
In the Almighty name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
