The Example

Thursday, May 2,2024

  Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him

Memory verse: Psalm 90:14

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.  

Today's reading: 1 KINGS 14-15 LUKE 22:31-46

 The Example

History and literature are littered with stories of men who spend years, decades, or lifetimes seeking revenge for a wrong done to them. One man spent over two decades to find the man who murdered his father and when the deed was done, he was asked, "What will you do now?"

"I don't know," he said, "Revenge does not pay so well."

What does one do after revenge is done?

If we dial it down to where we live, we must see that there is no profit in any payback. Satisfaction is so fleeting. What is changed by 'getting even'?

Fostering hate and anger is nothing but more misery and pain-it is just more 'nothing'.

Step back and ask, "Why would someone live for nothing? Misery and pain does not pay so well..."

It all starts with someone feeling pain because someone else caused it-no it starts because someone could not take the insult.

Jesus was lied about, spit on, beaten and finally was slowly murdered. He could have lashed out with the fury of the entire cosmos. He had the power to cause ultimate pain simply with His mind.

Instead of dwelling on revenge, God exists to forgive and love, bless and provide-to save folks from self destruction, yes, but ultimately to embrace all who are called.

Someone reading this has someone they really want to 'pay back'. This is a long way from embracing.

 Ask God for forgiveness-ask for the heart to forgive-ask God to show you the part of your heart that can love and forgive-the part buried by hurt and anger and the need to gratify self with someone else's pain.

 God's desire is to wipe away your pain because of His complete love for you-complete and never-ending-inexhaustible love-for you.

1 Peter 5:6&7-...cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Have mercy on my vengeful heart. Teach me how to use Your freedom in dealing with my hurt and anger. Show me how to let it all go.

Gentle and forgiving Father,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen