The God Who Avenges

August 7

(Psalm 94:1-11 NIV) “O Lord, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth. {2} Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve. {3} How long will the wicked, O Lord, how long will the wicked be jubilant? {4} They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting. {5} They crush your people, O Lord; they oppress your inheritance. {6} They slay the widow and the alien; they murder the fatherless. {7} They say, "The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed." {8} Take heed, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise? {9} Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see? {10} Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches man lack knowledge? {11} The Lord knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile.”

(Matthew 7:19-23 NIV) “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. {20} Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. {21} "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. {22} Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' {23} Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'”

Most people don’t like the thought of a God who avenges. It does not fit their image of the Lord. They don’t like the idea that God would call some people “evildoers” and eliminate them from His presence and from the kingdom of heaven. But this is the truth of Scripture; this is the God we serve. He sees, He hears, He knows our deeds and thoughts. Jesus died for the sins of the world, but in the end, those who reject His love will be judged. Those who only pretend to know Him will be driven from His presence. The Lord and Judge of all things will punish “evildoers”, and we may be surprised at their identity. The list will include murderers, but also the proud, the boastful, the arrogant and all false prophets. Do not be found among them. Come to know Jesus -- really know Him. Religion will not save you. Only a relationship with Jesus can complete our salvation. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day