Today’s reading is Revelation 15:1-16:21.

This probably jumped out at me because just before reading today’s scripture, I was responding to a question about revenge and retaliation based on one of my sermons. How providential is that a few moments ago, I was reading and commenting in an e-mail about Romans 12:17-19 and then I come to Revelation 16:5-7.

“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord’” (Romans 12:17-19).

“And I heard the angel in charge of the waters says, ‘Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!’ And I heard the altar say, ‘Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!’” (Revelation 16:5-7).

Men will do evil against us from mocking us to betraying us to killing us. However, it is not our job to seek vengeance. That is God’s job. We can trust Him to accomplish it in His time. Let’s live in peace as much as depends on us and let God do His job when He deems it is the appropriate time.

***Question: What practical things do you do to help you avoid seeking vengeance?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC