There is a difference between vengeance and revenge. One is judicial and the other is personal. Vengeance is a legal word that means: to avenge; punishment inflicted in righteous retribution for an injury or offense. Revenge is a personal word meaning: to avenge oneself by retaliating in kind or degree to the one who hurt you.
God applies both words to Himself in perfect justice… “God is jealous, and the LORD revenges; the LORD revenges and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves His wrath for His enemies. The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not in any way acquit the wicked.” – (Nahum 1:2,3).
In Bible days there was no police force to call for help against violence. Each family had a chosen “Kinsman-Redeemer” who was given permission to “avenge” crimes done to a family member. For example, if anyone murders a family member… “The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meets him, he shall slay him” (Numbers 35:19).
God used this name of Himself and told people to beware how they treated the fatherless and widows, for “Their Kinsman-Redeemer is mighty, and He shall plead their cause with you” (Proverbs 23:11). Because Jesus “put on flesh” to come and save us from our sins, this word is fulfilled in Him.
Jesus takes the crimes committed against the innocent, helpless, and against His people seriously. When Saul of Tarsus led the first persecution against Christians, Jesus stopped him in his tracks, and said, “Why are you persecuting Me?” In all the violence done against Israel, God told them through His prophets, “In all their affliction He was afflicted.”
God’s promise to Israel and to the Church is still… “To Me belongs vengeance, and recompense, I will whet My glittering sword, and My hand shall take hold of justice; I will render vengeance to My enemies, and reward those who hate Me… rejoice all you nations with His people! For He will avenge His servants…” (Deuteronomy 32:35-43).
If horror has taken hold of you because of those who have forsaken morality, reason, natural affection for children, and justice, know God takes it personally. Our Kinsman-Redeemer says, “Dearly Beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give your wrath to Me; 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 drink, for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire (greater wrath) upon his head. Do not be overcome of evil but overcome evil with good.” – (Romans 12:19-21).
The One who offers forgiveness and the gift of everlasting life, will close the door of grace and return in justice. His offer and His warnings are not to be taken lightly. “Come, Lord Jesus.”
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