Scripture Prompt
‘Vengeance is Mine,’ Says the Lord
Christians have a different calling
The entire world has suffered unimaginable loss. Loss of loved ones, loss of freedom, loss of income, loss of education, loss of security, loss of human touch.
These days of the pandemic have led to an overall emotional, but sometimes violent, response to people. In just one past weekend, 400 people were shot in mass shootings. CNN reported that these mass shootings left 100 dead and 300 injured from coast to coast. Violence abounds against Asian Americans, African Americans, Latinos, Caucasians, politicians, coworkers, and even family members. It seems to be necessary to find someone to blame for a virus and the heartbreaking results of it.
The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they dip their feet in the blood of the wicked. (Psalm 58:10–11, NIV)
This verse suggests it is righteous to rejoice when the ‘enemy’ has been brought down, whether physically, emotionally, or pridefully. Our humanity rejoices when the proud are brought low (Martha Stewart, Lori Loughlin), the criminal is convicted (Derek Chauvin), or the coworker is reprimanded or fired for his ‘sins’.
Jesus has a different standard. First, we are to love God and…
