Connect Jeremiah 20:12 with Romans 12:19 on God's vengeance and justice. The God who Sees and Settles Accounts “ ‘O LORD of Hosts, who tests the righteous and sees the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.’ ” (Jeremiah 20:12) “ ‘Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.’ ” (Romans 12:19) Jeremiah’s Appeal: A Prophet under Fire • Jeremiah is beaten, put in stocks, and ridiculed (Jeremiah 20:1–2, 7). • Instead of retaliating, he commits his “cause” to the LORD, trusting God’s perfect knowledge of every heart. • God’s “testing” (בֹּחֵן / bōḥēn) underscores His right to judge motives, not merely actions (see 1 Samuel 16:7). Paul’s Instruction: A Church under Pressure • The Roman believers face hostility, yet Paul forbids personal vengeance. • He quotes Deuteronomy 32:35 to show continuity with the Law: God Himself promises to repay. • “Leave room for God’s wrath” literally means “give place” to it—step aside so the Judge can act. Shared Truths between the Two Passages • Same Judge: Jeremiah calls Him “LORD of Hosts”; Paul calls Him “the Lord.” • Same Standard: God tests hearts (Jeremiah 20:12) and repays according to deeds (Romans 2:6). • Same Expectation: The faithful entrust their cause to God (Jeremiah 20:12; 1 Peter 2:23). • Same Outcome: Divine vengeance arrives in history (Nahum 1:2-3) and climaxes at the final judgment (Revelation 19:2). Why God’s Vengeance Is Good and Necessary • It safeguards His holiness (Isaiah 6:3). • It protects the innocent and oppressed (Psalm 9:9-10; 94:1). • It preserves societal order by deterring evil (Romans 13:4). • It vindicates His covenant promises (Deuteronomy 32:43). Our Part while We Wait • Refuse personal retaliation (Romans 12:17). • Seek peace “as far as it depends on you” (Romans 12:18). • Overcome evil with good—acts of kindness become testimonies of trust (Romans 12:20-21). • Keep praying like Jeremiah: hand over every injustice to the Lord who sees and will repay in His time (Psalm 37:5-7). |
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