"Pay Back Time?"
Revenge against those who have wronged us (or those we perceive to have wronged us) is one of the strongest and most basic urges of our fallen human nature. It often rises from a feeling that "justice delayed is justice denied," and we feel compelled to "right the wrong" and settle the score swiftly.
But is our concept of justice the same as that of God? The Scripture clearly teaches that: "For the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God." James 1:20. Our vengeance is borne of our flesh, and "...they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:8.
God patiently waits for His will to be worked in the lives of all people, and he does not give up as easily as we do on those who have gone astray - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
Our hearts need to be aligned with the heart of the Lord, no matter what the depth of our personal hurt. He is more concerned with the salvation of eternal souls than with appeasing men's impatience. He will not forget justice, however: 'Vengeance is Mine, and retribution, In due time their foot will slip; For the day of their disaster is at hand, and their doom hurries to meet them.' Deut. 32:35
"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him a drink: for in so doing you shalt heap coals of fire on his head." Romans 12:19-20.
The day of vengeance will come in God's perfect time, and then it will be accomplished; not in the vanity of man's foolish passion, but in the measured and balanced justice of the sovereign Lord of Hosts.
Believe, Admit, Repent
RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST!
Heb.11:6 Rom.10:9 Acts 3:19 John 1:12
For Further Study:
Deut.32:43; Psalm 58:10; Psalm 94:1; Prov.6:34-35; Isaiah 35:4; Luke 21:22; 2 Thess.1:8; Hebrews 10:30