“I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; he has hurled both horse and rider into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—my father’s God, and I will exalt him! Ex 15:1-2
I’m not making a prediction about the big Horse Race being held in Melbourne today, but rather a reminder that no one escapes the justice of God forever. The Israelites suffered under the Egyptians for 400 years, but when God acted He did so swiftly, righteously and decisively. In Deuteronomy 32 God says:
“I will take revenge; I will pay them back. In due time their feet will slip. Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them.’ “Indeed, the Lord will give justice to his people. (Deut 32:35-6)
And in 2 Thessalonians 1:5-6
God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you.
The part we play is simple, or not so simple sometimes but it is clear: Jesus said:
“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. (Matthew 5:38-9)
And finally, notice how our perseverance in suffering at the hand of others can be turned around for good, and remember that nothing is unseen by God, and no good deed done in His Name for His glory by His children will ever go unrewarded:
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honourable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
Instead,
“If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. (Romans 12:17-21)
