Vengeance

N. T. #53 "Vengeance"

April 20, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 23

LET IT GLOW

So many times siblings fuss over material things parents leave behind. During grief they want what reminds them of the loved ones or what they think they deserve. 

As kingdom people, we are to think and live differently than those in the culture around us. During Biblical times the punishment was to be in proportion to the crime. So if one caused your eye sight to be taken away or you lose a tooth because of the violence of another, then you were allowed to retaliate in the same way and take away their sight or tooth. This was the Old Testament principle. (Lev. 24:20)

However, Jesus wanted His followers to develop a servant mindset. The response to personal injury is not personal vengeance, according to Jesus' principles for the believer's life. Our first reaction is to get even, but we are to do good instead of keeping score. Love and forgiveness is not natural for us, but it is for our God. So when we are slapped on the right cheek, we are to turn the left cheek to them. 

I know this is not easy, friend. 

In Romans 12:10, Paul tells us, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 

I have found throughout my years, that when I give the wrong done to me, to God for Him to handle, His vengeance is worse than what I would have done. God protects His children.

Vengeance means vindication; retribution; punishment.

LET IT GROW

Next, Jesus gives several scenarios  which His followers are to develop in a servant mindset  in reacting to unfair or unreasonable treatment:

1. Physical violence-no defense or retaliation.
2. Robbed by personal assault or compulsory litigation-give more than what is required. When your suit coat is taken, give your overcoat, too.
3. Required to go 1 mile-go 2 miles with them. Roman law required Jews to carry a pack up to 1 mile, but Jesus wants us to go the extra mile. (Romans 12:17, 21) verse 41
4. When one asks to borrow something, give it to them, not expecting it returned. Be willing to lend or give to those in need. (verse 42)

It is the spiritual intention of the heart that Jesus looks at, our attitude. Submission is sometimes the way to overcome. (Pr. 25:21-22) Often fighting or recovering one's property costs us more than the object, relationships or witness.

Charity (love) suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. (1 Cor. 13:4)

Trust God to provide or replace what is given. In the big picture of life, small things are only little things. 

LET IT GO

Jesus, thank You for giving to us. Help us give to others.

Thank You for forgiving us our sins. Help us forgive others.

Please pray for a family in our church who lost their 12 year old daughter and her mom in a head-on collision.