Connect Proverbs 24:20 with Romans 12:19 on God's role in vengeance. Setting the Foundation “For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.” “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.’” What These Verses Say About God’s Role in Vengeance • God personally guarantees judgment: “Vengeance is Mine.” • His justice is certain and final: “the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.” • Our timeline and His are different, but His repayment is inevitable and complete. Why We Are Told to Step Back • Trust replaces fretting (Proverbs 24:19). • Wrath belongs to God alone; He alone judges motives and hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). • Trying to avenge ourselves implies we doubt God’s promise to “repay.” How God Executes Justice 1. Temporal consequences – Wicked choices often carry immediate fallout (Psalm 7:15-16). 2. Providential governance – God lifts up and brings down rulers (Daniel 2:21). 3. Final judgment – “He has set a day when He will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31). Our Assigned Response • Refuse personal retaliation (Matthew 5:38-39). • Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:20-21). • Pray for enemies, leaving their ultimate destiny to God (Matthew 5:44). Assurances That Anchor Our Hearts • God’s justice is unfailing: “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25). • His timing is perfect: “The vision awaits an appointed time… it will surely come” (Habakkuk 2:3). • He remembers every wrong and every tear (Revelation 6:10). Living It Out Today – When wronged, express hurt to God first, not to the offender in anger. – Memorize Romans 12:19-21 to redirect instincts toward peace. – Actively do good to those who harm you, trusting God to balance the scales. Related Passages for Further Reflection Deuteronomy 32:35; Psalm 94:1; Nahum 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8; Revelation 19:2 |
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