“O LORD, God of vengeance, God of vengeance, shine forth!” (Ps 94:1)
Vengeance is the act of exacting punishment for a crime or offense. The Scriptures make it clear that humans are very bad at vengeance – we overdo it on our enemies and we underdo it when it is our friends. So, Christians are clearly told not to exact our own vengeance, but instead to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile.
However, that doesn’t mean vengeance isn’t important. Without vengeance, there is no justice. Evil left unchecked is a horrific thing, and there are certain segments of history where we have seen what happens when wickedness is left without punishment or boundaries.
So, remember that the God of love is also the God of vengeance. You cannot be a loving God that protects the oppressed without being a vengeful God that crushes the oppressor. If we are right with God, we have nothing to fear, but those who stand against Him have everything to fear.
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Rom 12:19)
Matt 4:4 #Biblebites
