May 23- The Problem With Revenge

May 23, 2011

2 Samuel 2:12-3:39; John 13:1-30;
Psalm 119:1-16; Proverbs 15:29-30

A man that studies revenge keeps his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well. 
 ~Sir Francis Bacon

2 Samuel 2:12-3:39

Gladiators were armed combatants who entertained the audiences in ancient Rome with battles that were fought to the death.  Although the gladiators were usually slaves that had been schooled under harsh conditions, they were an example of Roman martial ethics of fighting and dying with honor.  Although possibly starting as a funeral rite during the Punic Wars, these fights became cultural spectacles and games for the masses.  They reached their peak of popularity in 1 B.C. through 4 A.D.  Today, all manner of trouble begins when hand to hand combat for entertainment is proposed by two Israelite army commanders.

It is never a good thing to get two groups of soldiers together.  Military men are trained in killing.  Their discipline, loyalty, and goal is to defeat the enemy.  Today, Abner and Joab meet at a pool.  They each have men from their two armies with them.  They decide to have a little fun by picking twelve men to put on an exhibition by fighting in hand to hand combat.  All twenty-four men die. In addition to these men dying, Joab's brother, Asahel, runs after Abner on foot in order to kill him.  Instead, Abner kills Asahel and bad blood between Joab and Abner develops.  This starts a long war between those who had been loyal to Saul and those who are loyal to David.

Ishbosheth is Saul's son who was not killed in battle and he has been serving as king for those who did not follow David.  Ishbosheth accuses Abner of sleeping with one of Saul's concubines.  This enrages Abner and he swears to turn the entire nation of Israel over to David.  Abner meets with David to cut a deal and David agrees upon the condition that he get back his wife, Michal, from the man to whom Saul gave her.  That man's name was Palti, and he appears to have loved Michal very much.  He is distraught when she is taken away.

After a conciliatory feast, Abner goes on his way to bring the nation to David.  Joab conspires and kills Abner on his journey in revenge for the death of Asahel.  David is deeply distressed at Abner's death and mourns publicly for this loss.  The people of Israel are pleased at David's compassion and humility.  David reminds me of Joseph in his ability to forgive others and be merciful to his enemies.

David also allows the Lord to take vengeance on his enemies, rather than taking vengeance himself.  This is a godly way to behave. The problem with revenge is that you don't allow God His position in all matters.  You are usurping God's sovereignty.  David is obedient and wise in matters concerning his enemies, at least so far he is.

Do you allow God to take revenge when someone has hurt or injured you or one of your loved ones?  Does God even factor in when you have been offended? The Scriptures say in Romans 12:19, "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written, 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord."

John 13:1-30

What would you do if you knew you didn't have long to live?  Would you book a trip to Hawaii?  Spend some time with your family?  Maybe eat your favorite foods for the last time? Today, Jesus knows that he doesn't have many more days on this earth.  What to do?  We see the true nature of the Messiah in what he does.  He decides to celebrate a meal with his group of best friends and followers.  Jesus starts the Passover celebration with the disciples by taking off his robe, throwing a towel over his shoulder, and stooping down to wash the feet of his disciples.

Peter is appalled that Jesus, who can walk on water, heal any disease, and even raise a man from the dead would dare to set aside his authority to act like a slave.  Jesus tells Peter that he must wash Peter's feet.  Peter says that if he needs to be cleaned then the Lord should wash his head and hands, too. Jesus says that Peter is clean, but there is one among them who is not clean.  After he washes the feet of all twelve of them, Jesus puts back on his robe and says that the disciples must follow his example and serve one another.  They are not to try to one up each other and scramble for power positions.  They are to be humble and helpful and not seek self-glorification.

Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9 and indicates that one of the disciples who is sharing food with him has turned against him.  John tells us that Jesus is deeply anguished by this (vs. 21).  He cries out that one of them will betray him. The disciples are stunned. Peter leans over and asks who it is.  Jesus indicates that he will dip his bread into the sauce and give it to the betrayer. Jesus hands the bread to Judas Iscariot.  John indicates that Satan entered Judas at this moment. Jesus tells him to hurry and do it now.  The disciples do not know what Jesus means when he says this to Judas, but Judas gets up and leaves, immediately.

I am mindful of Joseph and David as they experienced betrayal in their lives.  I am reminded of how Joseph and David served men greater than themselves with humility and loyalty. All of these men are examples of suffering and betrayal.  With humility, they face God's will for their lives.  Their faith in God propels them forward through their pain and trials.  They do not fear for their lives, even in the face of death.

Can you say that about yourself?  What lessons can we learn from Jesus?  Do you strive to serve others?  This is a choice to serve others without recognition, not a position designed to glorify you through martyrdom.

Psalm 119:1-16

This psalm is about loving and following the Law of the Lord.  Our young people would do well to read this in school!

Proverbs 15:29-30

Good news makes for good health.  The Lord hears the prayers of the righteous.

What did you see today?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal

Kathy Fullerton

© 2011