Revengeance

Psalm 79

A psalm of Asaph.

¹ O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance;
    they have defiled your holy temple,
    they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.
² They have left the dead bodies of your servants
    as food for the birds of the sky,
    the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild.
³ They have poured out blood like water
    all around Jerusalem,
    and there is no one to bury the dead.
⁴ We are objects of contempt to our neighbors,
    of scorn and derision to those around us.

⁵ How long, Lord? Will you be angry forever?
    How long will your jealousy burn like fire?
⁶ Pour out your wrath on the nations
    that do not acknowledge you,
on the kingdoms
    that do not call on your name;
⁷ for they have devoured Jacob
    and devastated his homeland.

⁸ Do not hold against us the sins of past generations;
    may your mercy come quickly to meet us,
    for we are in desperate need. 

***

Have you ever wanted revenge?

I don't mean the "Oh man, that guy looked at my girlfriend, I should go over there and punch him... he disrespected her" kind of revenge. I mean the "This person is an affront to my entire identity and seek to destroy it as soon and as completely as possible... they must be stopped" kind of revenge. 


This is what Asaph was craving as he wrote this Psalm. He felt the walls of his Kingdom closing in around him; enemies having their way with the holy city and desecrating God's people. He doesn't want God to just stop the carnage on Israel; he wants God's wrath to pour out on His enemies. He longs for God to cease the silence He has maintained up until this time, open the clouds and strike all the evil out of the nation.


Asaph ends this passage with a fascinating tidbit: he asks God "Do not hold against us the sins of past generations; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need."


Asaph understands that, in spite of his anger, what's happening to Israel is the fault of the Israelites. It's not Gods fault, it's not the fault of Israels enemies; Israel herself is responsible because of her wayward actions.


When we desire revenge on someone or something, do we stop and think about if we deserve to get our way? Scripture clearly tells us in Romans 12:19:



"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."


So it is Gods job to avenge, not ours. We must understand this in order to function as Gods instrument here on earth. You cannot go through life, seeking revenge on everyone that wrongs you & have "Jesus loves you" on your lips at the same time. One seeks the will of the flesh, the other seeks God in all things.


When someone wrongs you in a big, life-altering way, seeking revenge is equivalent to desiring the role of God in the world. We must trust Him, His timing, His wisdom. 


As we walk into the coming weekend, some of you may be dreading a particular event, a person, or a situation. You may dislike, or even hate, one or more of the people you will see. Before you go see them, lay your emotions and feelings toward them at the foot of the Cross. If any of the negativity between you and them is your fault, confess that to God and ask Him to let you see the people as He does. Ask Him to help you rise above the worldly idea of revenge, even if it's subtle, social revenge. 

Give it to Him. He is trustworthy.