Revenge and Gold Belongs to Whom?
Good Morning Friends,
It is hard to trust God when it comes to justice and money. We do so like to have a sense of control. Patience is the last thing on our minds. We want payback now. But our default responses of getting even emotionally or financially is not the way of God. We like to hold on to our money similarly to the way we hold on to our anger. We read scripture about an eye for an eye and all the money belonging to God and we somewhat indignantly ask: Revenge and Gold Belongs to Whom?
Scripture: The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of hosts.
Haggai 2:8 (NRSV)
Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Romans 12:17 (NRSV)
Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children,
Ephesians 4:29-5:1 (NRSV)
He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8 (NRSV)
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Matthew 5:38-44 (NRSV)
Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Luke 9:23 (NRSV)
Message: Today’s scripture shows us how we are to be participants in the healing work of Jesus. We are to join together what has been torn apart in our sin wrecked world. Yes, we are to give it all away guided by the Holy Spirit so we might gain something even more valuable in return. Through the energy of reconciliation we suture our belief and behavior together. Through kindness and love we overcome bitterness and anger. Through kindness and love we too get a second chance to make the right choices of a redeemed life. Here we become good, useful and helpful in all situations regardless of the circumstances…even those where justice is calling out for action…even those that require us to reach into our pockets. Here we are called to show mercy, understanding, love and tenderness…awareness of the hurts, sufferings and problems of others so we might become compassionate, kind, generous and forgiving. We enter a world where the lives of the body of believers becomes central to our existence so we might live out the full humanity God intended when He created us. So friends, know that resisting our desire for vengeance is impossible without Jesus. Being generous without Jesus is a fool’s errand. But also know this: with Jesus there is an easier way. So practice giving what you think is yours away. It belongs to God. All of it belongs to God.
Pray that the miracle of Jesus becomes part of our personal lives…that He brings everything and everybody together. Pray that we forgive as we have been forgiven. Pray that we love as we have been loved. Pray that we imitate Christ…as a child of God. Pray that being in Christ becomes for us a radical new way of living in relationship with God and in relationship with others. Pray that kindness makes us more like Christ. Pray that kindness reveals the love of Christ within us. Pray that kindness confirms our faith in Christ and His Kingdom. Pray that the ways of heaven become the ways of earth. Pray we have an honest conversation with God about our relationship with God. Pray we talk to God about what is working and what is not. Pray we talk to God about what is missing in our lives and talk to God about what is so confusing about being human. Pray we accept God’s forgiveness so we might be transformed and avoid God’s revenge. Pray we believe that Jesus paid the full price for it all on the cross. Pray we pick up our own cross and follow Jesus.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 