JUSTICE BELONGS TO GOD
Do not take revenge, My dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is Mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
Romans 12:19 (NIV)
Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
James 4:11-12 (NIV)
Have you ever been so angry you could barely see straight? Maybe you were driving. Maybe someone did something at work or just said the wrong thing at the wrong time. What’d you do next?
I’d been trying to get a promotion. I worked hard every day to be the best employee and show that I deserved it. Then the announcement came. Another person got the promotion. I was devastated and angry, feeling like someone less worthy had been promoted. I took it out on that guy and those above me, but that was the wrong way to handle it. Instead of trusting God, I took matters into my own hands.
This happened to Peter. Jesus had just finished praying when Judas and a mob from the chief priests came to arrest Jesus. Peter witnessed this, then drew his sword and cut off the ear of one of the chief priest’s servants. Peter lashed out in anger. Jesus healed the injured man and reaffirmed that He is the Son of God. We must remember that justice belongs to God.
APPLICATION: As you go through the day, pay attention to how you react to situations that make you upset or angry. Each of these is an opportunity for you to turn to the Father to help you not judge. Pray and ask Him to guide you when you are struggling.
PRAYER: Father, I thank You for Your great love and mercy. Help me remember that You are the judge of all things, and I need not give into my selfish desires to seek retribution. Give me Your heart for those who I feel have wronged me, and let me see them as You do. I love You, God. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?