You Might Just Be In The Way
Romans 12:19 “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord” (Amp.).
Aaaaahhhh . . . Good old fashion revenge. Many a’ soap opera have been based on the climatic point of revenge. Sure Victor Newman, a.k.a. the mustache, has a score to settle with a few folk after this trial thing is over. And yes, Erica will definitely hurt somebody about Bianca’s pregnancy. The drama goes on and on because there can never be an episode without someone getting somebody back. There is nothing like revenge to drive up the ratings, but what does it do for the everyday Christian in his/her everyday life?
After reading our text in the amplified version, I was very surprised to see the effect our revenge can have on the actions of God. That’s right. Our revenge can affect the actions of God. To explore this, let’s look at the text.
Romans 12:19 “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath.”
Now let me ask you a simple question. If you can leave something open, isn’t it obvious that you can close it as well? And if you close it, then doesn’t that deny access to a specific person, place, or thing? Of course!!!
You see, when we take revenge for ourselves, we actually remove that situation or scenario from God’s hands, and we place it in our own hands while doing what little damage we can to get even. However, in the process, we fail to realize that we have closed the “way” for God’s wrath.
So when we try to get even, we are really getting in God’s way. How so? Because all we want to do is bring a person to his/her knees. But only God’s vengeance can bring a person to his/her knees and to Him as well. One thing that we can not lose sight of is the big picture — the salvation picture. It is God’s desire that He not lose one person. But if we attempt to settle a score based on our own emotions and pride, not only could we push the person further away from the kingdom of God but also we could discourage a new believer from his or her newfound faith.
Therefore, we need to get out of the way and let God be God! God is faithful and just enough to ensure your adversaries get what is coming to them. But more importantly, He is wise enough to ensure that these adversaries get to Him in the process. So if we are to be about our Father’s business, then we need to seek His ways in all things, and that includes revenge as well.
So the next time you think about getting even, don’t. Just get out of the way and let God work on your behalf and the kingdom’s. Who knows? You may just wind up with a new prayer partner.
