Avenged
I know what it’s like for people to fight for me. I have never been charged with a crime that I didn’t commit. I have never been accused of a “guilty crime” – where you’re guilty until proven innocent in the court of public opinion. I have not lived a perfect life for sure. I because a Christ follower when I was in 3rdGrade and I’ve wandered off the path God called me too many times. I’m embarrassed at some of the stupid things I’ve done or said. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a blind rage of anger. The Lord has given me insight and perspective on a better way to handle disagreements. Those who know me well, know that I still have a “temper button” that gets pushed every now and then and I can get angry just like lots of people. I try to keep control even in my anger.
I looked up the word “Avenge” in the dictionary and it’s connected to Vengeance & Revenge. To avenge someone “take vengeance on someone’s behalf”. The word “Vengeance” is to “strike back and take revenge for something someone has done to you”. “Revenge” is to “exact punishment for a wrong on behalf of, especially with a resentful or vindictive spirit”. King David pens a Psalm crying out to God because of the injustice done to good people by wicked leaders. He ends the psalm with a promise. Check this out….
10 The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged.
They will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.
11 Then at last everyone will say,
“There truly is a reward for those who live for God;
surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.” (Psalm 58:10-11 NLT)
I have had people tell lies about me. It hurts. I have had people lie to me and make me look foolish. I get hurt and angry. I’ve learned to use words like “frustrated” and “side-ways” to describe my anger.
I am learning that there is no need for me to avenge, take vengeance or seek revenge. The Lord has all of those responses in His “protective arsenal”. I remembered a passage from Romans where Paul tells Christ followers to treat those who try to harm us differently. Check this out….
17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”
says the Lord.(Romans 12:17-19 NLT)
I want to be angry at the things that make God angry. I think the Lord fights for injustices done to His kids. I believe that actively avenges on behalf of His kids. I’ve seen first-hand His defense strategy. He can play the “Creator Card” at any time, but He chooses love to exact His justice. God loved us so much that He gave His Only Son to become the “Ultimate Sacrifice” for sin and in justice. He made a way where seemed to be no way. I want to walk by His side, I need His Protection and I need Him to avenge for me in His way. He is my Defender.
Pressing On!
Dwayne