Getting Even

Ps 94:1-3 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whome vengeance belongeth, shew thyself. Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud. LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?
Vs 10 He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?

One of the most difficult things for our sinful human nature to cede to God is exacting vengeance on someone who has done us wrong. Turning the other cheek goes against the grain of this rotting flesh as much as anything.

Allowing the unseen hand of God to punch someone's lights out when we can easily take the matter into our own hands is difficult. Talk about a matter of faith!

The question is, do we really believe God is taking notes? Does He see every time we are taken advantage of? Is He truly cognizant of all the wrong that is foisted upon us?

The answer is yes! In verse 7, it says, "they say, The LORD shall not see" but He sees all. The wheels of God's justice do indeed turn, sometimes very slowly, but always surely.

We want our pound of flesh and we want it now. If someone owes me money, or if they have done me wrong, if they have talked about me, lied to me, stabbed me in the back, my flesh cries out for a payday.

But God sees the whole picture. He also sees the needs of the offender. He gives them time and space for repentance. He offers them forgiveness if they will turn and do right. But in the end, if they do not do right, be assured that they must answer and give an account to God, just as you and I will.

We must recall His promise in Romans 12:19, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

God is the judge of the earth and He will render a reward to the proud, according to verse 2. In another Psalm we are told that the Judge of all the earth shall do right.

The problem with revenge in our hands is that it is never as satisfying once we exact it. When we have gained our pound of flesh, it is still not over. Hard feelings prevail, guilt lingers, forgiveness wanes, and we are left with an awkward empty feeling. Revenge has no more quenching effect on emotions than salt water has on thirst.
When God takes care of the matter, there is complete and utter satisfaction.

Revenge is best left up to the One who knows how to deal with the intricacies of the matter.

And if vengeance is not met in this life, be assured, it will be taken care of in the next. Be sure you are on the right side of that equation!

Finally, know along with the Psalmist, that the LORD is our defense; and our God is the rock of our refuge. vs 22