Pain Demonstration

Pain Demonstration

Genesis 44: And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in the mouth of his sack. ² Also put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, and his grain money.” So he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. ³ As soon as the morning dawned, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys. ⁴ When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Get up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? ⁵ Is not this the one from which my lord drinks, and with which he indeed practices divination? You have done evil in so doing.’ ”

 

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After the feast, Joseph had the steward of the house fill his brothers’ sacks with food and money again, just like last time. But this time he gave special instructions to add his silver cup to Benjamin’s sack. Joseph also staged a pretense with the steward of the house.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph had a plan to set up his brothers by making them look like thieves.
• Joseph may have wanted them to see how it felt to be in danger, or possibly killed.
• Joseph had no intention of harming his brothers, but may have wanted to let them know that what they did was not right.

 

Vengeance would have been easy for Joseph. He could have had them all thrown in prison for the rest of his life, but that is not what GOD wanted. Even through Joseph’s pain, he had GOD guiding him. He was working through this deep hurt, so he set his brothers up.

 

What would you do? I would probably do the same. Joseph missed out on being with his father for decades, due to their jealousy. His plan to make them feel embarrassed could not erase the cruelty they placed on him. Joseph also made it look like his power for seeing the future came from a cup. This would have been typical for an Egyptian as they worshipped inanimate objects.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Joseph’s plan to embarrass his brothers?
• Have you ever been put in a spot where you could get revenge?
• Will you let go of getting revenge and allow GOD to take care of the situation HIS way and in HIS time?

And So It Begins

And So It Begins

Genesis 34: ²⁵ Now it came to pass on the third day, when they were in pain, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, each took his sword and came boldly upon the city and killed all the males. ²⁶ And they killed Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah from Shechem’s house, and went out. ²⁷ The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and plundered the city, because their sister had been defiled. ²⁸ They took their sheep, their oxen, and their donkeys, what was in the city and what was in the field, ²⁹ and all their wealth. All their little ones and their wives they took captive; and they plundered even all that was in the houses.

 

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Waiting for the pain to reach its peak, Simeon and Levi went out to kill all the men of Shechem, including Hamor and Shechem. They took all the women and children and possessions for themselves. The plan for revenge had worked. Or so they thought.

 

My Observations:

• Not all of the sons of Jacob agreed to kill the men of Shechem.
• Simeon and Levi were the most offended by the violation of Dinah.
• Jacob was renamed to Israel by GOD, and this act of violence was the beginning of trouble for Israel.

 

Up until this point, the family chosen by GOD had no enemies. Even Laban was told by GOD to leave Jacob alone. But now Simeon and Levi caused a huge mess. They killed out of revenge. You and I may feel the same way as Simeon and Levi, wanting revenge. But unfortunately, the long-term relationships with surrounding people would prove to be extremely difficult.

 

Simeon and Levi could not leave it alone. This act of violation was extremely difficult, but their form of justice would bring on problems for Israel that may be going on to this very day. GOD saw the revenge that HE should have owned.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about the revenge of Simeon and Levi?
• Have you ever wanted revenge?
• Can you allow GOD to own revenge so HE will take care of the situation HIS way and in HIS time?

Revenge Put in Motion

Revenge Put in Motion

Genesis 34: ¹³ But the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father, and spoke deceitfully, because he had defiled Dinah their sister. ¹⁴ And they said to them, “We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a reproach to us. ¹⁵ But on this condition we will consent to you: If you will become as we are, if every male of you is circumcised, ¹⁶ then we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters to us; and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. ¹⁷ But if you will not heed us and be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and be gone.”

 

¹⁸ And their words pleased Hamor and Shechem, Hamor’s son. ¹⁹ So the young man did not delay to do the thing, because he delighted in Jacob’s daughter. He was more honorable than all the household of his father.

 

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Hearing about the violation of Dinah, her brothers decided to do something about it. They deceived Shechem and Hamor by telling them they needed to become circumcised. This way the men of Shechem would become like the men of Israel, Jacob’s sons.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob’s sons were furious enough to plan out revenge.
• Jacob’s household followed the covenant given to Abraham, that all males born or servants who worked for the family, would be circumcised.
• Shechem was first in line, probably dreaming of having Dinah as his wife.

 

GOD told Abraham to be circumcised when he was ninety-nine. HE also said that males had to be circumcised on the eighth day, or when the child is eight days old. Jacob and his entire family followed this covenant. Jacob’s son’s knew this process would be painful for adults, so they added it to their plan.

 

Shechem, blinded by getting his way, fell into the trap created by Jacob’s sons. He was so used to getting his way that this plan looked like he had won over Jacob and his family. He thought that the men of Shechem would be excited about being able to marry the daughters of Jacob, so he got first in line. GOD saw the plan for revenge put in place.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the plan for revenge put in place by Jacob’s sons?
• Have you ever thought about taking revenge on someone?
• Can you let go of any ill will you may have against someone and allow GOD to own vengeance?

Seeking Revenge

Ezekiel 25: ¹⁵ “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Because the Philistines acted in vengeance and took revenge with malice in their hearts, and with ancient hostility sought to destroy Judah, ¹⁶ therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am about to stretch out my hand against the Philistines, and I will wipe out the Kerethites and destroy those remaining along the coast. ¹⁷ I will carry out great vengeance on them and punish them in my wrath. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I take vengeance on them.’”

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Seeking revenge felt good sometimes. I mean with anger boiling, I felt I had the “right” to inflict whatever pain or harm I could legally do to the person who “started” the fight in the first place. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD says to me “Get rid of malice in your heart, otherwise it can turn into hatred.”
• GOD says to me “Get rid of ancient hostility in order to move into the future.”
• GOD says to me “Vengeance is MINE says the LORD, I will repay.”

Letting GOD take care of those who trespass against me enables me to feel better about whatever is going on with “that” person. I can sleep and eat without a carrying around misery and pain. GOD wants me to ask HIM to forgive my trespasses as well as those who trespass against me. Instead of seeking revenge, I will seek GOD.

• Do you have malice in your heart against someone?
• Are you carrying around ancient hostility?
• Can you allow GOD to take care of the situation knowing HE will deal with you also?

Heart of Revenge

Jeremiah 51: ¹⁰ “‘The Lord has vindicated us;
    come, let us tell in Zion
    what the Lord our God has done.’

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Driving along the highway I noticed a person who decided to pay back a person who cut them off. They got in front of them and slammed on their brakes, causing the other person a huge scare. I thought to myself, “That seems like a good idea!” I mean I got tired of drivers who got in front of me, almost grazing my car, meanwhile the lane doesn’t go any faster.

I decided to try it on the next driver who cut me off. Minutes later it happened. I put my plan into action by sliding over to the lane they left. Suddenly I hit a huge pothole and bent one of my rims. Oh, now I know why the person darted in front of me. My vengeance cost me hundreds.

• Sometimes I want to get that person back.
• Sometimes I want “that” person to fail.
• Sometimes I want to hear about the fall and see them tumble down the mountain.

Watching the speeder who passes me then gets pulled over by a cop feels great until I am the speeder who gets pulled over. The “Heart of Revenge” makes me look at others with judgement in mind. I hope for their demise never once thinking I may be the perpetrator. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD says to me “Vengeance is MINE says the LORD, I will repay” meaning I need to stay out of HIS way or I will feel the wrath too.
• GOD says to me “I will take out MY vengeance on those who harm MY people” meaning HE does not need me to fight when HE has been angered.
• GOD says to me “Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that GOD will bless them” meaning let GOD handle the malefactor.

Having a “Heart of Revenge” makes me play the situation over in my mind, not letting go of its deadly poison. BUT GOD wants me to let go. HE wants me to see HIS protection and allow HIM to pour out HIS wrath or grace on the person. HE wants my heart to be filled with grace just like HIM. HE wants me to empty my vengeful heart and fill it with love.

• Are you mad at someone?
• Are you spitting poison as much as you can about other people?
• Can you stop being angry and fill your heart with love?
• Will you allow GOD to handle “that” person and also allow HIM to change your heart?

Spend Time Wisely

Psalm 135: ¹³ Your name, Lord, endures forever,
    your renown, Lord, through all generations.
¹⁴ For the Lord will vindicate his people
    and have compassion on his servants.

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Pressure seemed to grow the higher I climbed. Deadlines, meetings and conference calls filled my mind. I had to document all of them and review them at night. There was little to no time to think of people outside of the projects I worked on.

• There is a finite amount of time I am on this planet so I should praise the LORD.
• There is a finite amount of time I am on this planet so I should spend some of it with GOD.
• There is a finite amount of time I am on this planet so I should think of serving HIS people.

This chapter talks about how great and marvelous GOD is, but then it took a dark turn and talked about GOD destroying once mighty Egypt. Barbaric towards slaves, Egypt reigned with a mighty hand. Tierney caused GOD’s people to cry out. GOD heard.

• GOD hears me when I cry out.
• GOD hears me when I am in need.
• GOD hears me when I seek to serve HIM and HIS people.

Turning to GOD should be a daily thing rather than an afterthought upon attending church once a week. GOD wants me to seek the lost because time is running out. HIS name endures forever, not mine. My finite time should be spent as if tomorrow were the last.

• Are you spending an enormous amount of time mad, sad or worried?
• Can you quiet down for a moment and ponder GOD’s greatness?
• Will you stop spinning your troubles in your mind for a minute and notice GOD around you, even if it is for a second? 

Getting Revenge

Psalm 35: ²² Lord, you have seen this; do not be silent.
    Do not be far from me, Lord.
²³ Awake, and rise to my defense!
    Contend for me, my God and Lord.
²⁴ Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God;
    do not let them gloat over me.
²⁵ Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!”
    or say, “We have swallowed him up.”

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“That felt good” was the thought that flashed in my mind as I was able to block a person from interviewing at the company I worked at. She was a thorn in my side at my last job and I was shocked to hear my boss ask me “Should I interview her?”

Years later I went to look for a job at a place where I was a perfect fit. I looked through the list of employees and did not see her name, but I did see a person who was fired from the company I was trying to leave. I tried to reach out to him and he would have nothing to do with me. “So this is how she felt” crossed my mind.

• Sometimes revenge feels great to me.
• Sometimes revenge feels wonderful.
• Sometimes revenge fuels my determination.

Obtaining a goal based on revenge is very problematic. I mean if someone says something about me or does something to me, a dangerous fire can be lit that makes me determined to get that person back. This is a mild form of hatred that carries a dangerous seed. BUT GOD says think differently.

• GOD says to me “Vengeance is MINE, I will repay.”
• GOD says to me “Pray for your enemies that they may prosper.”
• GOD says to me “Forgive others as I have forgiven you.”

Spitting out my poison rather than using it as a dart is what GOD wants me to do. HE wants me to seek HIS kingdom first rather than seeking revenge first. By seeking HIS kingdom, I will find peace instead of pain, grace instead of groaning, and love instead of let downs. It is hard to “let it go” sometimes, BUT GOD can help me move on.

• Are you seeking revenge?
• Do you want to see “them” fail?
• Can you give your thoughts of revenge over to GOD?
• Will you focus on HIS kingdom first?

Focus on GOD

Job 24: ²³ He may let them rest in a feeling of security,
    but his eyes are on their ways.

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Jealous is never a good thing. I mean when I look at what someone else is doing or not doing I compare myself to them. Since I’m the judge I always win my personality contest. I say “Look at what they are doing” to GOD and it seems like they are getting away with murder, literally.

• GOD says to me “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.”
• GOD says to me “Pray for your enemies.”
• GOD says to me “Have mercy on the merciless.”

I pondered these qualities and realized that’s the way GOD treats me. HE is merciful on me in spite of me. HE holds back HIS wrath and showers me with love. HE turns my jealous into prayer.

• Are you jealous of the reckless?
• Do you think “that” person is getting away with everything and you are getting beat up?
• Can you turn you jealousy into a prayer?
• Will you show mercy on those who don’t deserve it?

Being Defensive

Job 20: ² “My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer
    because I am greatly disturbed.
³ I hear a rebuke that dishonors me,
    and my understanding inspires me to reply.

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Evaluation time was here again and I sat across from my boss feeling like a child. Inside my head my eyes were rolling because the words were not flattering. When I had enough, I spoke up. My boss said something profound. “Don’t be defensive, take these words and exceed.”

• Sometimes I don’t like it when I’m criticized.
• Sometimes I don’t like it when my flaws are pointed out.
• Sometimes I don’t like it when I’m told to improve.

I’m alright just the way I am, aren’t I? Well, maybe. One flaw of Job’s friend Zophar is that he was blaming Job for Jobs’ calamity. While he was well meaning, he was trying to get Job to admit to guilt that Job did not possess. Zophar could not improve and considered Jobs’ rebuke as an insult. I feel the same way at times. I mean who wants to be told “Your face, hair, body, personality, decisions and actions are all wrong?” GOD told me to listen to my boss.

• GOD says to me “Be slow to anger.”
• GOD says to me “Listen to wise counsel.”
• GOD says to me “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.”

I don’t mean stay around an abuser of power, but what I am saying is “work for GOD not for humans.” When I work for GOD then I try harder to please HIM rather than pleasing mankind. My actions may seem strange but my heart will be right. When I hear a criticism, I can then way it against what GOD says and if there is truth to the statement, be willing to change.

After I made internal changes and asked others what I could improve, I got promoted three times. Pride blinds, GOD opens my eyes and HE opens doors.

• Are you mad at your evaluation?
• Is someone being critical of you in a healthy way?
• Do you believe you cannot be criticized?
• Will you drop your defenses and listen to see if GOD is trying to reach you?

What goes around comes around

2 Samuel 17: Ahithophel said to Absalom, “I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. ² I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king ³ and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed.” ⁴ This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.

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⁵ But Absalom said, “Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say as well.”

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⁷ Hushai replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel has given is not good this time.

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¹⁴ Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.

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Fed up with being pushed around, I started lifting weights. Soon I gained some nice size and I started hanging with the muscle heads. One guy was particularly mean. Okay, I think he was on steroids. He suggested we go out to a bar with him to have some “fun.” Not knowing what he meant, I agreed.

Another guy said “I don’t think we should go” so I didn’t.  A few days later the bar going guy furiously stormed into the gym. “Why didn’t y’all show up? I had to fight these guys all by myself.”

GOD has protected me many times from bad advice and stupid actions. In this instance I was protected from becoming the bully I longed to get away from. I played out the scenario after the incident and I could see nothing but destruction.

• GOD says to me “Whatsoever you sow you will reap.”
• GOD says to me “Love one another as I have loved you.”
• GOD says to me “Be slow to anger.”
• GOD says to me “Vengeance is MINE.”

When I am full of rage and fury, my next steps are very important. I can take the full rage and turn it into hatred, spreading poison and death to many or I can follow what GOD says and give HIM my poison and let HIM diffuse the situation. If I choose GOD’s way I must realize HE wants to save “that” person as well. Whatever the choice, I will reap what I sow.

• Are you angry at someone?
• Do you have rage?
• Can you let go of your anger and rage and let GOD work it all out?

GOD is watching

1 Samuel 26: ²³ The Lord rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness. The Lord delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. ²⁴ As surely as I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life and deliver me from all trouble.”

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When I finally received the letter with my title and new salary, I said to myself, “I can’t wait to fire a few people.” I knew just who I had in mind. These were the lazy and slothful, at least in my mind, but really they were those who had opposed me over the years.

I handed in my list of people who should be cut, only to find out much later that one was my boss’s boss great friend.

• Sometimes I choose justice over grace.
• Sometimes I choose vengeance over mercy.
• Sometimes I choose “my way” versus “GOD’s way.”

It just feels good to get revenge or see someone fall who has been a jerk to many. BUT GOD wants me to have a different approach.

• GOD wants me to show mercy and sometimes explain it.
• GOD wants me to choose grace by praying for my enemies.
• GOD wants me to value life over getting my way.

Yes, GOD has softened my heart over the years and I value souls more stuff. My push is now focused on the kingdom more and more. It’s not always there but the more I can focus on GOD the more HE rewards me.

• Are you ready and hoping for vengeance?
• Do you want justice to happen?
• Are you waiting on a person to fail?
• Can you change your heart and hope for the best for that person?
• Won’t you pray for GOD to embrace them rather than taking them down?

The High Road to True Leadership

1 Samuel 24: ³ He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. ⁴ The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.

⁵ Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. ⁶ He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” ⁷ With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.

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“Get out of my meeting!” were the disturbing, yet satisfying words I have only spoken once in my career. As I disposed of the blustery person I felt relieved that my meeting would continue, but even more, the blatant disrespect was squelched and no one dared to challenge me like that.

Years later as I tried to change jobs, I went to interview at a company. I prepared by doing research. The next day the interview was cancelled. I was extremely confused and dug a little deeper. The guy I threw out of my meeting was in charge of the department at that company.

• Getting even is extremely satisfying, short term.
• Getting the upper hand is filled with elation, short term.
• Getting rid of blustery, mean, overbearing people is so rewarding, short term.

One might say I did the right thing at the time, but I never went back to the guy to understand what he was going through and why he was so passionate. I was so focused on the matter at hand that I could not see a larger picture of working together.

• GOD wants me to bring people together rather than always seeking ‘my way.”
• GOD wants me to forgive my enemies rather than seeking immediate vengeance on them.
• GOD wants me to see the situation from HIS perspective rather than looking at it from my short term lens.

David took the high road which actually gave him more power than he could realize. The times when I took the high road seemed foolish and downright crazy to most, BUT GOD knows and loves me for it. The high road brings people to GOD!

• Are you in a position where you can harm someone?
• Is your tongue spitting slander or poison about people?
• Can you take the high road and speak praises about “that” person?
• Will you allow GOD to take revenge on “that” person while you pray for them?

Revenge or grace

Exodus: ²² “If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. ²³ But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, ²⁴ eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, ²⁵ burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

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Exhausted from track practice I slumped toward my locker. A football player walking on the opposite direction decided to hit my scrawny frame in the chest. I literally saw glowing things so I know what people mean when they say they saw stars!

This amongst other bullying activities made me life weights. No one was going to push me around anymore!

• When I get mad I want revenge!
• When someone does me harm I want to harm them.
• When I am the target of hatred I want to give them a taste of their own medicine.

After lifting weights and putting on a few muscles I noticed people picking fights rather than letting me have peace. “Should I learn to fight” crossed my mind. BUT GOD wanted me to behave different.

• GOD wants me to turn rage into Grace for that’s what HE shows me daily.
• GOD wants me to forgive rather than show revenge for the sole purpose of drawing people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to bring peace rather than picking fights to demonstrate the same love HE showed me.

GOD created the “revenge laws” AND HE demonstrated the payment for the law by dying for my sins. HE paid the price for all revenge and wants me to show love instead of hatred.

• Did someone treat you wrong?
• Are you ready to fight them?
• Can you stop thinking about the wrong they have done and think about the grace GOD wants you to show?

Take GOD’s advice

Genesis 4: ⁶ Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? ⁷ If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

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“One day I will knock that guy out” I thought to myself.  After a lot of weightlifting I did get big enough to fight the guy, but it took time to transform my scrawny into brawny. I had actually matured enough to realize fighting doesn’t solve everything.  But I still wanted to hit him!

• There are some things people do that make me angry.
• There are some actions people take that make me livid.
• There are some ways people go that drive me to rage.

Anger is a very dangerous beast.  It sets a fire in my soul that ignites a battle between me and that person. But little do I know that while I’m fighting that person, I may also be fighting GOD.

• GOD says “rule over” my anger because sin is not far behind it.
• GOD says “Do what is right” because HE knows how to reward me.
• GOD says “you will be accepted” to me if I focus on HIM.

Sin is always waiting to jump on me.  It hides behind arguments, jealousy, lust, envy, insecurity, doubt and fear.  GOD wants me to control my actions and focus on “what is right” to follow HIM to a better place.

• Are you angry at someone?
• Is rage building up in your soul?
• Can you take control of your anger and focus on what GOD wants you to do?
• Won’t you give that person the gift of mercy and grace?

But “they” are wrong!

Galatians 6: ¹ Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. ² Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

³ If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. ⁴ Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, ⁵ for each one should carry their own load.

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Peering in his eye and listening to his words, I sensed inconsistencies that just didn’t add up. There was a hint of sincerity but the actions just weren’t there. His cry for help fell on deaf ears and I gave up on this so called transformed alcoholic. I mean he brought it on himself right? Hmm… it’s complicated!

• I spend way too much time assessing if someone needs my help instead of giving help.
• I spend way too much time thinking how to get out of helping people instead of asking the LORD for more strength.
• I spend way too much time judging if people “deserve” my help instead of just helping.

Passing the usual homeless person or avoiding the new business owner or speaking harshly to the person who obviously messed up became habits I could easily justify. I mean they brought it on themselves right? Yeah… maybe BUT GOD wants me to view things differently.

• GOD’s job is to save or punish as HE pleases, my job is to restore.
• GOD’s job is to take vengeance if necessary, my job is to pray for my enemy.
• GOD’s job is to penetrate the heart, mind and soul, my job is to take care of those HE delivers to me.

I have to tell the truth, when someone does some low down stuff, “on purpose” I get pretty angry and I’m ready to fly off the handle. GOD wants me to think “full restoration” for that person and HE will handle the rest. In fact the more harshly I want their punishment the harsher HE will be on me “when” I commit the same sin. HE is teaching me to restore others and carry my own load.

• Has someone obviously messed up?
• Can you get beyond what they have done and move on the way GOD will have you move on?
• Do you realize the incident has stolen your peace?
• Can you restore them so you can get your peace back?
• Are you on guard not to fall to the same sin?

Is GOD speaking to you right now?

John 7:  ⁴⁵ Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and the Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?”

 ⁴⁶ “No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards replied.

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My boss barked out a question. “Do you know this interview candidate from your old company?” It was a person who had played political games with me and now it was my chance to get even.  Then “that” voice popped in my head. “Be forgiving” was the message.  “Aw man… I want revenge!” was my immediate reaction.

“Yes, you’re not seriously going to consider this person, are you?” was my answer with a feeling of triumph. I had gotten my way, but was it what I needed?

• GOD speaks to me every day; I just don’t like the message.
• GOD guides me in the right direction all the time, I simply choose another path.
• GOD waits patiently on me to follow HIS way; I eagerly choose my sinful way.

People have told me they never hear GOD speak, well I hear HIM all the time. When “those” people make me angry, HE says be graceful and forgiving, yet I choose to be heard and win an argument while losing the war.

“No one ever spoke the way this man does” was the guards’ reply to those who wanted to trap JESUS. I can only imagine what HE was talking about that changed their mind from evil to good.

• HE tells me to look at my sin instead of investigating someone else’s.
• HE tells me to tell those who sin against me they are forgiven.
• HE tells me to look at the big picture of the other person’s salvation rather than winning this argument.

You know how I know GOD is speaking to me? Usually HE tells me to do something that I don’t want to do, but I can see how it would benefit HIS kingdom, not mine. HE never gives me some crazed message rather HE simple says, “Forgive” or “give” or “serve” or “return their hatred with love.” HE speaks in a quiet voice, it takes me to listen.

• What is GOD saying to you?
• Are you too busy trying to get your way to hear HIM?
• Won’t you consult with HIM before you act?
• Will you ask GOD “what do YOU want me to do in this situation?”

GOD will ease my troubles.

2 Thessalonians 1: ⁶ God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you ⁷ and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. ⁸ He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

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Reports finished to perfection, budget complete and rapport with my peers impeccable yet this made my boss more and more upset. There was no pleasing this person and my efforts were sabotaged and undermined at every corner. I know what I should do… Get revenge! But what does GOD say?

• There will always be evil people who deliberately try to harm me because I know CHRIST.
• There will always be situations where my innocence is declared insolence because I know CHRIST.
• There will always be strange and confusing situations that make me question GOD because I know CHRIST.

Unfortunately there will always be people who live near my home or work with me who don’t believe in GOD or HIS SON or HIS HOLY SPIRIT. They do not have compassion for my efforts and could care less about GOD, so what should I do?

• GOD wants me to pray for my enemies and wish them the best.
• HE wants me to love those who are difficult to love so that HIS love may shine through.
• GOD wants me to give my worries to HIM because HE is the one who will take revenge for the wrongs done to me.

GOD doesn’t want me to be a wimp, rather HE wants me to only show love, not anger to those who treat me poorly, for HIS anger is far worse than anything I can dish out.

• Has someone caused you trouble?
• Do you feel like getting revenge?
• Can you let go of your anger and deliberately show grace and mercy?
• Can you honestly let GOD take revenge on the person?

How to get back at your enemies!

Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

 

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

 

19 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.

 

20 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.”

 

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

 

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When someone does something to me or tries to take advantage of me, I spring into action. If it’s a fight they want then it’s a fight their going to get! Well that’s how it went in my mind.

 

Bullies were not the norm in my neighborhood, but on occasion I would run into them. Sometimes they would pick on me probably because I was an easy target. After college I was tired of being picked on. Instead of being intimidated, I lifted weights and “bulked up.”

 

After befriending the largest mugs in the gym I thought I was secure. We went out to a bar (gasp, yes I went to a bar) and the largest thugs would try to take us on even though we weren’t looking for trouble. My plan was on the wrong track. 

• GOD’s strength is far greater than any human.
• GOD owns revenge and it’s not mine to take it.
• GOD can protect me when I have faith in HIM.

Bullies are still around me as an adult but their faces look different. Instead of the lonesome thug in the neighborhood, they are the irate boss who flies off the handle or the pushy parent at a child’s sporting event or the impatient driver who rides bumpers.  

• GOD wants me to love the irritable because I can be an irritant.
• GOD wants me to pray for my enemy because sometimes I make enemies.
• GOD wants me to wish my enemies “better than good” so HIS grace will shine on them further.
• GOD wants me to throw my anger away because HE is not stupid and is keeping track of their ills.

 Revenge is the LORD’s. HE will take matters in HIS own hands and I feel sorry for the person on the receiving side of HIS wrath! 

• Do you have an enemy?
• Did someone do something to you?
• Who can harm the person more, you or GOD?
• Can you let your wrath go and let GOD deal with the person?
• Can you demonstrate love as an “act” even though you don’t feel like it?