Reading
SAA Notes
Verse 26 is a strong statement regarding the future – our hope will not be in any world power. The Babylons of this world will never be the foundation or cornerstone for the future. Christ is the cornerstone that counts! Again, verses 45-48 remind us of Jesus’ words re Jerusalem in Matthew 24.
SJA Notes
* Lord God, please may we hear Your word to us today.
“Therefore thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will plead your case and take vengeance for you.'”
The Lord is our judge and our protector, our avenger of blood.
In Deuteronomy chapter 32 we read, in a song from Moses,
“… Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly … I will take vengeance on my adversaries and will repay those who hate me.”
These truths make up parts of our sure and steady hope in God.
We lean on the Lord for JUSTICE.
We lean on the Lord for MERCY.
We are never alone, and we have a God who takes care of vengeance. Because in Jesus our enemies are HIS ENEMIES, and our fights of faith and doctrine are fights IN HIS NAME.
Paul tells us in the book of Romans,
“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.'”
Are we taking vengeance into our own hands?
May we leave it in the Lord’s hands.
* Gracious Father,
As we seek to live as Your people, please remind us of Your love, Your grace and mercy, of Your justice.
Please teach us Your word today, Your Spirit writing it on our hearts.
That we would not be overcome by evil, but that we would in Your strength overcome evil with good.
Amen.