Readings for today: 1 Samuel 25-27, Psalms 17, 73
Revenge is a powerful motivator. It is fueled by rage and a deep sense of injustice. It is the primal human response whenever we feel wronged or hurt or betrayed. Something deep inside us demands a response. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth or something even more disproportionate. We want the perpetrator to experience what we’ve experienced and to feel what we feel. We want them to taste the pain we have suffered. We want them to be punished for their crimes against us. Tragically, vengeance has created cycles of violence that have consumed families, clans, tribes, and even nations. Millions have perished as a result. Millions more suffer incredible pain and grief and loss. There is no end to it because violence simply begets more violence. Vengeance is never truly satisfied. And perhaps that’s why the Lord says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” He knows how deep this propensity runs within us and He knows it can never be truly satisfied.
King David felt this impulse. When rebuffed by Nabal, he is quick to respond with violence. He feels wronged so he straps on a sword and marches out to kill Nabal and all his men. But for the intercession of Abigail, David would have committed a grave sin. “The Lord has kept his servant from doing evil, and he has repaid Nabal for his evil deeds.” (1 Samuel 25:39 NET) Taking vengeance into his own hands, he would prove himself to be no different than Saul. Thankfully, David was saved by Abigail’s quick and courageous response and it taught him a lesson that he soon employed when given the opportunity to take Saul’s life once again. David learned to leave vengeance to God. Let Him execute His justice in His time. Nabal suffers a stroke and dies. Saul eventually is killed in battle. David’s hands and heart remain clean. I love how Asaph reflects on this dynamic in his Psalm. His words are worth reading again in their entirety.
“Certainly God is good to Israel, and to those whose motives are pure! But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my feet almost slid out from under me. For I envied those who are proud, as I observed the prosperity of the wicked. For they suffer no pain; their bodies are strong and well-fed. They are immune to the trouble common to men; they do not suffer as other men do. Arrogance is their necklace, and violence their clothing. Their prosperity causes them to do wrong; their thoughts are sinful. They mock and say evil things; they proudly threaten violence. They speak as if they rule in heaven, and lay claim to the earth. Therefore they have more than enough food to eat, and even suck up the water of the sea. They say, “How does God know what we do? Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?” Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like, those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer. I concluded, “Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure and maintained a pure lifestyle. I suffer all day long, and am punished every morning.” If I had publicized these thoughts, I would have betrayed your loyal followers. When I tried to make sense of this, it was troubling to me. Then I entered the precincts of God’s temple, and understood the destiny of the wicked. Surely you put them in slippery places; you bring them down to ruin. How desolate they become in a mere moment! Terrifying judgments make their demise complete! They are like a dream after one wakes up. O Lord, when you awake you will despise them. Yes, my spirit was bitter, and my insides felt sharp pain. I was ignorant and lacked insight; I was as senseless as an animal before you. But I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me by your wise advice, and then you will lead me to a position of honor. Whom do I have in heaven but you? I desire no one but you on earth. My flesh and my heart may grow weak, but God always protects my heart and gives me stability. Yes, look! Those far from you die; you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you. But as for me, God’s presence is all I need. I have made the sovereign Lord my shelter, as I declare all the things you have done.” (Psalms 73:1-28 NET)
Where have you been tempted to take revenge? Perhaps you felt insulted by a co-worker? Hurt by a harsh word by someone you love? Unjustly accused for something you did not do? Personally attacked? Maybe you’ve experienced discrimination over your ethnicity or gender? Maybe you’ve been dismissed due to your lack of education or economic or social status? Maybe someone has physically and violently assaulted you? Perhaps even taken the life of someone you love? Rather than allow yourself to become consumed with the desire for vengeance, turn those feelings over to God. Trust Him to make it right. Let Him set you free from the anger and bitterness and guilt and a hyper-fixation on past harms.
Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 35, 54, 63, 18