pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: revenge


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Lines Drawn

Readings: 2nd Samuel 1, 2nd Samuel 2, 2nd Samuel 3, 2nd Samuel 4

2nd Samuel 3:1 – “The war… was long and drawn out. David kept getting stronger, while Saul’s house kept getting weaker.”

The story of 1st Samuel continues into 2nd Samuel. News of Saul’s and Jonathan’s deaths reach David. The bearer of the news is dishonest in his account. He thinks it will bring him a reward. Instead, he pays for it with his life. David and all of Judah mourn the losses of Saul and Jonathan through a song that honors them. God leads David to move to Hebron. There the tribe of Judah gathers and anoints David king.

Ishbosheth, with Abner’s help, rules the rest of Israel from Mahanaim. Abner then leads Israel’s troops out to battle David’s troops, led by Joab. They meet at the pool of Gibeon and agree to send out 12 men each. They simultaneously kill each other. It is a sign of what is to come. The armies battle. Asahel, Joab’s brother, pursues Abner. Trying to end the pursuit, Abner accidentally kills Asahel. Finally, Abner asks Joab how long will brothers kill brothers. This ends the battle for now. It is just the beginning. In 3:1 we read, “The war… was long and drawn out. David kept getting stronger, while Saul’s house kept getting weaker.”

We then learn that six sons are born to David at Hebron – by six different wives. Meanwhile, Ishbosheth angers Abner and he decides to now side with David. After meeting with David, Joab murders Abner, getting revenge for Asahel’s death. David condemns this evil act. David and Judah then mourn Abner’s death. Next we learn of Rechab and Baanah assassinating Ishbosheth, bringing his head to David, looking for some personal reward. David, however, condemns this evil act too. These two men pay for the righteous Ishbosheth’s blood with their lives. David clearly draws the line against revenge and assassination. These evil things will have no place in his kingdom – for now.

Prayer: Lord God, we see in David a man that leads mostly well as he consolidates power. He seeks your guidance. He honors the dead. He calls out and punishes evil, even when it benefits him. And he has six sons by six wives and adds Michal back into the mix too. Lord, guide us to know right from wrong, good from evil. And help us to resist those temptations that we struggle with along the way. Amen.


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Power, Revenge, and Other Evils

Readings: Judges 9, Judges 10, Judges 11, Judges 12

Judges 10:13-14 – “You have gone away from me and served other gods, so I won’t rescue you anymore! Go cry out to the gods you’ve chosen.”

In chapters 9-12 we find the stories of two rulers – Abimelech and Jephthah – who rely on self for the most part, who wheel and deal to get what they want, who leave Israel worse off than before they reigned. We also read about five minor judges who rule on either side of Jephthah.

Abimelech is one of Gideon’s 70 sons. He convinces Shechem that one ruler is better than 70. To consolidate power he then kills all of his brothers except Jotham. Jotham proclaims a fable that decrees monarchy and predicts that fire will destroy the unfaithful. Shechem rebels and Abimelech reacts violently, ultimately killing everyone and leveling the city. Fire is used to kill those hiding in the tower of Shechem. Abimelech then moves on to capture Thebez. At their tower a woman drops a millstone on Abimelech’s head, leading to his death. His lust for power and revenge leads to his downfall.

After two minor judges rule, Israel becomes unfaithful, abandoning God in favor of many local gods. The Philistines and Ammonites “bully and beat up” Israel for 18 years. The people cry out to God but God says, “You have gone away from me and served other gods, so I won’t rescue you anymore! Go cry out to the gods you’ve chosen.” The people change, putting away their foreign gods, turning back to God. God is moved to rescue Israel. Jephthah is eventually made ruler of Gilead. He who was spurned is brought back. After a little history lesson for the Ammonite king Jephthah basically says, “Let’s let God decide.” The Spirit of God comes upon him. He then makes a solemn promise to God. Even though God is clearly with him, the wheeler and dealer can’t resist. This promise costs him his only daughter. Jephthah wins an “exceptionally great” victory.

Ephraim feels left out and threatens Jephthah. Civil war follows. 42,000 from Ephraim die. A lust for power and an unwillingness to seek forgiveness leads to this tragedy. Jephthah dies and three minor judges rule next. God is not even mentioned in any of these three accounts. Evil is not far away.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us all to lead in one way or another. In our moments of leadership remind us that you are the one true God, the only one in control. Empower us to keep that perspective when temptation rises up within us. Quell the desires for status, power, control… Guide us to lead well as we follow closely in your footsteps. Amen.


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Imperfect But Usable

Readings: Joshua 6, Joshua 7, Joshua 8

Joshua 6:38 – “Don’t be angry with me… Please let me make just one more test.”

Today’s chapters focus on Gideon. In Gideon we see faithfulness to God right alongside his battles with doubt, fear, anger, and pride. We experience these things in our walks of faith. Like Gideon, we want to obey God, but often stumble over our own will and ways. More than anything, though, in these chapters we see that God can use Gideon’s flaws to ultimately work out God’s plans for Israel. God can and will do the same for you and for me.

The people have sinned and God allows the Midianites to cruelly oppress Israel. They cry out. God sends a prophet who reminds them, “You have not obeyed me.” Then God’s messenger calls Gideon. He is reluctant. He has excuses. He tries God’s patience. At one point Gideon says to God, “Don’t be angry with me… Please let me make just one more test.” God works through all of his tests. Satisfied for now, Gideon calls for an army. Yet fear persists. God allows him to overhear a dream which restored his courage. God then tests Gideon, whittling his army of 32,000 down to 300. Credit must go to God. Pride rises up in Gideon as he gives the battle cry: “For God and for Gideon.” Following a wild plan of God, similar to Jericho, victory is won. God’s plan is complete. Yet Gideon chooses to pursue the enemy kings.

In Gideon’s pursuit he asks the people of Succoth and Penuel for bread. They deny Gideon and his army any bread. He threatens them. Soon he captures these two enemy kings and executes them – revenge for killing Israelites. He returns to Succoth and Penuel, exacting violent revenge here too. Pride and anger rule in his heart. Yet when asked later to be Israel’s ruler, he states, “The Lord rules over you.” Apparently he is not part of this “you” though as he collects gold earrings and makes a priestly vest. This trap leads straight to idolatry and the continuing downward spiral of Israel. More on that tomorrow.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to learn both from the good and the bad that we see in Gideon. Help us to be faithful and to follow your plans. Help us to see, though, when it becomes about us and our plans. Keep us from the perils of sin. Guide us to walk in your ways. Amen.


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Theological Concerns

Readings: Deuteronomy 17, Deuteronomy 18, Deuteronomy 19, Deuteronomy 20

Deuteronomy 18:15 – “The LORD your God will raise up a prophet like me from your community… He’s the one you must listen to.”

Chapter 17 deals with a variety of topics: capital punishment, legal disputes, and future kings. In capital punishment cases, multiple witnesses are necessary. If these cases or other legal disputes are too hard, they are to be brought to the priests and judges in the city God will choose. These decisions must be followed exactly. Then God gives guidelines for future kings. They will be different from other earthly kings – not too many horses or wives. And they will personally make a copy of the Law that they must read daily. God’s theological concern is for a theocracy.

Chapter 18 ensures that the basic needs of the Levites are cared for. It lays out what portions of what offerings belong to the priests. This chapter concludes with God’s concern about future religious leaders. God says, “The LORD your God will raise up a prophet like me from your community… He’s the one you must listen to.” Of all the voices that can speak into people’s lives, God’s prophet is the one that they need to listen to.

As we turn to chapters 19 and 20 the underlying focus shifts to the sixth of the Ten Commandments: do not kill. Chapter 19 focuses mostly on the cities of refuge. Three are to be established in the Promised Land. They are places for those who “kill a neighbor accidentally.” These cuties will prevent the shedding of more innocent blood. The end of the chapter, “life for life, eye for eye…” also limits revenge. The punishment must fit the crime.

Chapter 20 deals with a theological concern too – the command not to kill during times of war. The chapter begins with the priest’s role to remind the troops that God goes before them and that God will fight for them. Then it defines the official’s role next. Permissions are given to leave the battle front. Then we get two sets of guidelines for war in the Promised Land and for war outside the Promised Land. Close to home, no peace terms are offered, and all living things are killed. This is all about the theological threat of idolatry. “The ban” removes even the possibility of influences that could lead to the sin of idolatry.

Prayer: Lord God, there are many ways that we can honor those who are older and those in power. They all involve justice, integrity, and obedience to you. Guide us in these situations and also teach us how to be people in these places. We see that these same principles apply to our living in community. Lead us here too. Amen.


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God’s Guiding Presence

Readings: Genesis 31, Genesis 32, Genesis 33, Genesis 34, Genesis 35, Genesis 36

Genesis 32:28 – “Your name won’t be Jacob any longer, but Israel, because you struggled with God and with men and won.”

Today’s readings begin with Jacob leaving Haran. God directs this move and watches over it. As Laban catches up to the escaping Jacob, God intervenes on his behalf. This leads to a “symmetrical covenant.” Laban and Jacob part ways peacefully and with God’s blessing. As his journey continues, Jacob prepares to and is prepared to meet Esau, the brother he stole from and deceived.

Jacob first sends messengers to Esau, who comes out to meet Jacob with 400 men. This terrifies Jacob. He splits all that he has into two camps. Then he prays a “reminder” prayer to God. He reminds both God and himself of the covenant promises made to Abraham and to Isaac and to himself. He then sends a very large gift of livestock to Esau, seeking to pacify him. That night Jacob wrestles with God. He is renamed “Israel” and he receives God’s blessing.

In the morning Jacob arranged his family strategically – servants then Leah then Rachel, each with their children. But then he goes in front to meet Esau. He bows low 7 times as Esau is approaching. Esau runs to greet him. It is an emotional and joyful reunion. Jacob sees the face of God in his brother’s grace.

In chapter 34 a terrible thing happens to Dinah – she is raped and humiliated by a local prince. Her brothers exact revenge, killing every male and looting everything in the town. They use deception to set it all up. They are Jacob’s sons. But now Jacob fears revenge too, so the family moves on. God protects them as they go. In the process God reiterates the name change as well as the covenant. Sadly, Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin. Isaac dies too and is buried with his ancestors by Jacob and Esau together. Our reading closes with Esau’s genealogy.

Reflecting on today’s six chapters I am struck by God’s presence guiding Jacob’s life. Many things happen that remind me that God is with us no matter what – when we are faithful, when we are less than faithful. God is steadfast and true.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your hand ever guiding Jacob. Thank you for your hand that desires to guide us. As you work in our lives, shape and form us as you did Jacob – more and more into one who knew and loved you. Amen.


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Love and Seek to Follow

Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3 and John 13:21-32

Verse 1: “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Hebrews 12 calls us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” We are pointed to Jesus’ example not so that we can be perfect but so that we can draw strength and encouragement from him. The author of Hebrews has just walked through the stories of the ‘heroes of the faith’ – Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham… This is the “great cloud of witness” that he or she refers to in our passage today. It culminates with Jesus in Hebrews 13. Since this writing there have been many others who stand in this line. We are encouraged to strive to stand in that line. To that end the author writes, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” And then again, in verse 3, we are drawn back to Jesus Christ.

Jesus was the one who “endured” much from sinful men. One of these was Judas, the betrayer. Maybe you’re not like me, but I struggle with those who betray me. Anger and thoughts of revenge can creep in pretty quickly. That is not the example that Jesus sets for us in John 13. He lays it out there that one of the disciples will betray him, he identifies Judas, and he says to him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” Jesus understands the frailty of humanity. He knows how easily we can get entangled in sin. There is no anger or animosity or thoughts of revenge.

And there’s one more thing. It is not something that happens in the Bible but it is something that I am sure would’ve given the opportunity. I say this based on the whole example set by Jesus in the gospels. Had Judas come and sought forgiveness, Jesus would’ve gladly extended it. He might’ve even offered it before Judas said a word. That’s the Jesus I love and seek to follow. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, you endured so much. Yet you willingly went to the cross, for these men and for me. You continue to endure much from sinners like me. And in love, I know you’d go to the cross again and again if that was what it took to save us. Lord, lead and guide me each day to model and share that love and grace for and with others. Amen.


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The Better Way

Reading: Matthew 13: 36-43

Verse 43: “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their father”.

As Jesus and the disciples return to the house once again they ask him to explain a parable. Jesus had just told a story about planting seeds and they needed help with the interpretation. Jesus explains that he is the sower, planting good seeds in people’s lives. He does this work in the world – everywhere he goes. At the same time, Satan is at work in the same world and even in the same people’s lives. Satan is planting seeds that grow into weeds. Each of us knows this very experience. Jesus plants seeds of love, hope, forgiveness… while Satan plants seeds of anger, jealousy, greed, hatred… Both are vying for control of the world and for every soul that inhabits the world. Both continue to till our soil, trying to secure our eternity.

Jesus reassures his followers that there is a plan. He, and probably they, already know that they are the servants – eager to be rid of all the evil in the world. So he first teaches patience and trust. God is in control. There will be a day when all is made right in the world. The final score will be God 1, Satan 0. Jesus explains that as he returns and makes all things new, the angels will come forth to harvest all the evil from the world. These will experience eternal weeping and gnashing of teeth in the fires of hell. And “then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their father”. Those that have been faithful to Jesus Christ will dwell eternally with the Lord. They will live in his light and love, shining back Jesus’ light.

Sometimes it is difficult to see or live with the evils of the world. It is hard when evil people adversely impact our lives or the lives of those we love. Jesus dealt with and experienced evil during his time on earth. His interactions and clashes with non-believers and the religious leaders would be experiences setting an example for us. Jesus never retaliated or sought revenge or passed judgment. He offered love and sought understanding; he extended grace and worked to build relationship. As we seek to build the kingdom here on earth, may we be like Jesus, offering the better way.

Prayer: Lord God, when I encounter evil in whatever form it takes, may I be like Jesus. Guide me to first love and then to seek to build relationship and understanding. May I bear witness to my faith in Jesus Christ in all situations. Use me today to build your kingdom here. Amen.


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May Love Guide

Reading: Matthew 5: 17-20

Verse 17: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets… but to fulfill them”.

What does Jesus mean by “to fulfill them”? The Law and the Prophets all had the same basic function: to teach us how to live in right relationship with God and with one another. Beginning with the first laws, for example, this has always been the case. The first part of the Ten Commandments deal with our relationship with God and the rest deals with our relationship with each other. In choosing the word “fulfill” though, Jesus is not implying simply following the letter of the Law, but is hinting at how we also fully live out the intent of the Laws.

As the rest of the Sermon on the Mount unfolds, this is just what Jesus does. He begins with “Do not murder” in the next section. Jesus explains that there is so much more to this law than just not killing someone. Jesus, in essence, begins long before this step and tells us that being angry with another or speaking words of contempt put us in danger of “the fire of hell”. When we allow these evils in our heart, Jesus says we are already on the road to murder. It may not end in physical death but maybe it does end in emotional or relational death. All of this violates the rule of love that is supposed to be how one is identified as a disciple of Jesus Christ and as a child of God.

In the rest of the Sermon, Jesus unpacks laws relating to adultery, divorce, honesty, revenge, loving our enemies, giving, prayer, fasting… Each and every one has the same focus. God’s intent is not just the words on the paper but it is more. The Law and the Prophets should lead us into deeper relationship with God and one another. To get to this place, one must allow the words we find in the Bible to become the way we love, see, interact, and treat God and each other at the heart level. Please take some time today to read through to the end of Matthew 7, understanding how Jesus unpacks many more laws.

We fulfill God’s plan by loving unconditionally, by loving just as Jesus first loved us. As we read and seek to understand our Bibles, seeking to discern how to model our lives after our Savior, may love be our guide.

Prayer: God of love, I’ve heard it said that if I do not have love, I am just a clanging cymbal. I’ve heard it said that love can conquer a multitude of sins. I’ve heard it said that if I am your disciple others will know me by my love. May it be so. Amen.


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Choose Love

Reading: Genesis 45: 3-7

Verse 5: “For God sent me before you to preserve life”.

Today’s passage is part of a familiar story. As we pick it up today, Joseph has been in Egypt a long time and has risen to the second place in the kingdom – second only to Pharoah. But it has not been an easy ascent. He has been a slave, has been falsely accused, and has spent time in prison. And he has been blessed over and over by God. Now the brothers who sold him into slavery stand before him begging for some food. Famine has struck the lands far and wide.

Joseph may have felt a twinge to extract a little payback from these brothers of his. A lesser man might have chosen revenge. But God has been at work in Joseph’s life for many years now. Each trial and suffering that he has been through has refined and developed his trust in God. No matter how bad things seemed to be, God has always seen Joseph through. So as he looks back on the events of his early life, when he had those dreams and when his own brothers sold him off into slavery, Joseph can see the overarching hand of God at work. He says to his brothers, who are fearing the worst: “God sent me here before you to preserve life”. It was God – not you – who sent me to Egypt. It was God’s plan all along that it would work out just like this. It is pretty amazing to see the story through God’s eyes.

In our lives we too come to these moments. We come to these crossroads where we can choose love or hate, where we can choose to forgive or to hold onto our anger. Our faith calls us to choose love and to extend mercy every time. Every time. Our faith calls us to lay aside our own hurts and to offer healing. Every time. We may feel like we have the right to be mad or hurt or to strike back. Not so. Never. We are people of love and light and hope and mercy. Always. May it ever be so.

Prayer: Lord, when it is hard, grant me the courage to lay aside my anger and jealousy and bitterness. Help me to cling to light and love. Allow all I say and do to shine your glory out into the world. Amen.