Mitzvah
31
A teaching by Edri
31.
Not to take revenge (Lev. 19:18)
Vayikra/ Lev 19/ 18 You shall not take vengeance, ......... against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am YHWH.
Revenge in Websters is 1 : to avenge (as oneself) usually by
retaliating in kind or degree
2 : to inflict injury in return for <revenge an
insult>
Revenge is that which keeps justice at bay. Another words, It is the categorical denial of authority. When someone revenges themselves on another, for a true wrong, or a perceived wrong,. they are "taking matters into their own hands" and rejecting the Yah-ordained authorities over them, whether these authorities be civil or spiritual. Think of what would happen if everyone were to take revenge today. Would there be anyone one left on the earth after everyone got done taking revenge? No, the revenge cycle of violence would continue until the complete eradication of mankind (of which wicked governments are bringing us to even now)!
The Messiah had some words to say about the issue of revenge :
Matthew 5
39 "But I say to you, do not resist an evil
person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him
also.
The Messiah is saying that it is better for someone to harm you (and possible even get away with it in this world) than to revenge yourself on them. The Messiah knew that every act of wickedness would be repaid, and everyone would stand to give account for his or her actions someday, so his teaching is to reject "revenge" and instead pray for the wrongdoers soul.
Mt:5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Remember what happened in King David's kingdom when Amnon raped Tamar, and Absolom took matters into his own hands and slew his half brother Amnon. The destruction of David's kingdom begane to hasten after this taking of revenge on absolom's part.
Paul says , of revenge....
Romans 12
19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave
room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL
REPAY," says YHWH. 20: Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Revenge, again is nothing more than a categorical denial of authority , both in our civil government, AND especially our authority above us up in heaven.
Some may wonder how to reconcile the lack of Justice in our society. It is true, that it is the States duty to mete out JUSTICE. Yet, many times, we see a failure in this as wrongdoers go free or are given light sentences. In this event, the victim's emotion is to seek revenge.
For Nazarene Israelites, even if the state does not bring Justice down on the wrongdoers head, it is our responsibility, and our calling to "wait patiently" until the judgment of those "Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead." (1Pt:4:5:)
YHWH will revenge himself on those who hurt His children. Sometimes it happens in this world, and if not in this world, the rest will "follow after" unto the final judgment... 1Tm:5:24: Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after...
Revenge can come in many forms. It can happen in marriages. It can happen in business. It can heppen in relations between parents and children, or children to children. Ask yourself these questions -
1) If my spouse hurts me by calling me names, saying hurtful things, or being abusive, is it my "right" to hurt them back? Can I take "revenge?"
2) If someone harms me in society, and they do not seem to "get theirs" is it my right to "take revenge?"
(1Pt:3:9: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.)
This walk of our faith is a difficult walk because everything in our human nature says to do CONTRARY to the words of the Messiah, whose very words are LIFE. However, with His enabling, through His set-apart Spirit, we CAN live victoriously and walk in love one unto another, not taking revenge, but instead, responding to our wife, or husband or fellow brothers or sisters of the covenant with love, and good.
In conclusion, taking matters into our own hands offends YHWH. Even if Justice does not prevail in this life, it certainly will in the world to come. Have patience, and remember - Heb:10:30: For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Master. And again, The Master shall judge his people.
Let us leave it in YHWH's hands, and rest assured that it WILL be dealt with properly in His time and in His way.