Will there be justice for the evil people that destroy so many lives? The answer is yes, although it gives the Lord no pleasure in punishing people who will not repent nor turn their lives over to Him. The Scriptures tell us that we are to love one other and that vengeance is the Lord’s.
The Lord Takes Vengeance on Nabal
David was tempted to take out vengeance upon Nabal until Abigail the wife of Nabal interceded. In retrospect David was thankful that Abigail prevented him from taking vengeance because that was the Lord’s job and not his.
1 Samuel 25:36 When Abigail arrived home, she found that Nabal was throwing a big party and was celebrating like a king. He was very drunk, so she didn’t tell him anything about her meeting with David until dawn the next day. 37 In the morning when Nabal was sober, his wife told him what had happened. As a result he had a stroke, and he lay paralyzed on his bed like a stone. 38 About ten days later, the Lord struck him, and he died. 39 When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise the Lord, who has avenged the insult I received from Nabal and has kept me from doing it myself. Nabal has received the punishment for his sin.” [1]
We are to Love not Take Revenge
Paul’s letter to the Romans is a reminder that God commands us to love one another, and, as much as possible, to live in peace.
Romans 12: 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.[2]
Revenge is God’s job. Our job to love our enemies by doing good to them. Romans 12:20 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.
God avenged David and, in His time, God will avenge all His children. To hear more about how vengeance is the Lord’s, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/seeking-the-lord-changes-my-life-abigail-david
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.