Vengeance
Today’s Text: Ezekiel 25:12–17 (Living Life Daily Devotional)
We continue in Ezekiel 25 today as God turns His judgment toward Edom and Philistia because of their deep-rooted hatred and desire for revenge against God's people. Edom had harbored bitterness toward Israel for generations and seized the opportunity to take vengeance when Judah was weak. The Philistines likewise sought revenge, attempting to destroy God's people out of spite rather than justice. While they may have believed they were simply settling old scores, God declares that their revenge was ultimately an offense against Him. Their actions, driven by vengeance, revealed proud hearts that sought to take God's place as judge.
We are reminded that God alone is the righteous Judge who executes perfect justice. When we are wronged, our natural instinct may be to retaliate, hold grudges, or even rejoice when those who have hurt us suffer. However, we must remember that vengeance belongs to the Lord. Unlike us, God judges with perfect righteousness, complete knowledge, and without sinful motives. We are called not to repay evil for evil, but to entrust ourselves to the God who judges justly.
We also find a warning against allowing bitterness to take root in our hearts. Edom's judgment did not begin with outward violence, it began with a heart that refused to let go of resentment. Unresolved bitterness eventually grows into sinful actions that dishonor God. As we saw in yesterday's passage, we as believers are called to forgive just as we have been forgiven. Forgiveness does not ignore justice, but it releases the desire for vengeance and surrenders every matter into God's hands.
The greatest motivation for us to forgive is Jesus Christ. On the cross, Jesus suffered the greatest injustice imaginable. Yet He did not seek revenge against those who crucified Him. Instead, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.”. Since Christ has forgiven us, we now have both the example and the power to forgive others. We can leave justice in God's hands, knowing that He will one day make all things right.
