
Revenge and Reconciliation
What example did Jesus leave us for when we are rejected and reviled?
- God does not respond with wrath and rage while there is still hope
- God turns us over to our destructive self-deception
- God patiently leaves the door open for our return while there is still hope
- God ultimately honors our rejection
For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. —1 Peter 2:20–21
- (RECAP) Following Christ’s example, His disciples do not respond with wrath and rage while there is still hope
(RECAP) Following Christ’s example, His disciples turn unrelenting people over to their destructive self-deception… while praying the consequences lead to their eventual salvation
Following Christ’s example, His disciples prioritize reconciliation over rage
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. —1 Timothy 2:1–6
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. —James 1:19–20
Success requires pursuing God’s approval rather than the fleeting fondness of finite fickle fools
If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet. cite>—Proverbs 29:9
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom; all who do them have a good understanding. His praise endures forever. —Psalm 111:10
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ —Matthew 25:23
- Following Christ’s example, His disciples trust God’s just judgment with themselves AND others
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. —1 Peter 2:21–24
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 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.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:17–21