One of the most misunderstood aspects of God's nature is that He exercises vengeance. God's Word clearly tells us that vengeance belongs to the Lord. But we often have difficulty reconciling God's goodness with His vengeance. Nahum 1 is a good example of this; the prophet juxtaposes God's mercy and goodness with His fierce anger against the wicked.
What is divine vengeance?
Divine vengeance is when God takes action against those who have wronged you. It is essential to understand the principles of divine vengeance. Here are some key points. Meditate on them and watch the message below. Share with your loved ones.
Divine vengeance is made necessary by the wickedness of the wicked and the fact that we live in a fallen world where sin abounds and cannot be left unchecked. Divine vengeance is necessary so that the righteous do not feel abandoned or at the mercy of the wicked. Indeed, according to 1 John 5:19 New International Version (NIV) 19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in wickedness.
Understanding Divine Vengeance
Nahum 1-2 Segond 21 (SG21)
2 The LORD is a jealous God, he takes vengeance. The LORD takes vengeance, he is full of fury. The LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries, he keeps a grudge against his enemies.
3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, yet he will not leave anyone unpunished. The LORD walks in the whirlwind and in the tempest; the clouds are the dust of his feet.
4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up, he makes all the rivers dry up. Bashan and Carmel are withered; the flower of Lebanon is withered.
5 The mountains tremble at his presence, and the hills melt. The earth heaves before him, the world and all who dwell in it.
6 Who can stand before his indignation? Who can resist his fierce anger? His fury spreads like fire, and the rocks are broken before him.
7 The LORD is good, he is a refuge in the day of trouble; he knows those who trust in him,
8 but with overflowing floods he will destroy this place, and he will pursue his enemies into darkness.
1. Divine retribution
There is a principle of divine retribution; one inevitably receives what one deserves. People pay for their wickedness. Without repentance, judgment is inevitable.
- a. We reap what we sow
b. Actions have consequences
c. Some people will never repent. They must be prevented from causing suffering to others.Luke 18:7-8 Segond 21 (SG21) 7 And will not God avenge his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he make them wait? 8 I tell you, he will avenge them quickly. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?
2. Only God can exercise vengeance.
Hebrews 10:30 New International Version (NIV) 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay each one as he deserves.” He also said, “The Lord will judge his people.”
a. Every sin is first a sin against God.
- i. It is a violation of His laws and principles.
ii. It is a rejection of His authority
iii. It is an exercise of domination in His place
b. He alone is the just judge.
3. God reacts against His enemies
2 The LORD is a jealous God, he takes vengeance. The LORD takes vengeance, he is full of fury. The LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries, he keeps a grudge against his enemies.
4. The punishment of the wicked is inevitable.
a. God is slow to anger and forgives. However, He will not leave the wicked unpunished.
3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, yet he will not leave anyone unpunished. The LORD walks in the whirlwind and in the tempest; the clouds are the dust of his feet.
5. God's power is sufficient for His vengeance.
a. Live in the awareness of His absolute greatness, His power.
4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up, he makes all the rivers dry up. Bashan and Carmel wither; the flower of Lebanon withers. 5 The mountains tremble at his presence, and the hills melt. The earth heaves before him, the world and all who dwell therein.
6. God is angry with wickedness.
a. Mercy is not indifference. God is not indifferent to human suffering.
b. When you do not take revenge, God's wrath will work in your favor. God considers revenge as his prerogative.
6 Who can stand before his indignation? Who can resist his fierce anger? His fury spreads like fire, and the rocks are broken before him.
Romans 12:19 New International Version (NIV) 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is mine, and I will repay each one as he deserves,” says the Lord.
7. His goodness does not exclude His vengeance
6 Who can stand before his indignation? Who can resist his fierce anger? His fury spreads like fire, and the rocks are broken before him. 7 The LORD is good, a refuge in the day of trouble; he knows those who trust in him. 8 But with overflowing floods he will destroy this place and pursue his enemies into darkness.
You must be logged in to post a comment.