Meditation: Vengeance is mine….

Most of us this past week have seen the anti-lockdown, anti-vaccination protest marches in Melbourne.  Some protestors were from the construction industry, which was locked down for a fortnight, others were anti-vaccination people, and still others were dial-a-crowd stirrers.   

Not only were these protestors disobeying lawful government directions as advised by the chief health officer, but the vast majority did not wear a proper face mask or practice social distancing to prevent the possible spread of the pandemic. By their silly actions they were placing our community in danger of a super-spreading event, creating undue pressure on our health system, and not least, forcing our police to put themselves in danger. 

Now before I am inundated with emails, I am over lockdowns too, and wearing those masks, what a nuisance.  However, I cannot find a biblical principle that allows me to take the law into my own hands and disobey legitimate authorities which the Lord has placed over me.  In fact, I find throughout Scripture that those who have taken the law into their own hands, or who thought they were above the law and sought their own vengeance have come off second best. 

We could start with Adam and Eve.  What a disaster that was and has been for humanity! I am reminded of King David, who through his sinful desire and deceitful scheming put himself above the law and tried to make adultery and murder seem OK.  Well, we know it wasn’t and the Lord was very displeased with David.  Yes, David repented and was forgiven for that sin, and yes, he was man after God’s own heart, but the consequences of taking the law into his own hands cost him dearly.   Mentioning David, reminds me of his son Absalom who also took the law into his own hands and planned the murder of his brother Amnon who had violated his sister Tamar.   It didn’t end well for Absalom either. 

Now you may be thinking, all the above doesn’t apply to us as Christians. Well, I am not so sure, for the comments I have heard and seen on social media against government directions and possible double vaccinations to protect our vulnerable neighbours as well as our health system, continue to cause me great concern, and even more so when they come from Christians. 

I am sure that many Christians are aware of Romans 13:1-7, and Paul’s direction to Christians about submission to governing authorities.  So rather than hammer that legitimate line again, let me mention two other passages, one of which is in direct context.

First, Romans 12:17-21. Take some time to read it, especially v19 (ESV) “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”   So, don’t take the law into your own hands!  Furthermore, when we exact vengeance, it is seldom done with perfection.  On the contrary, do good, and don’t be overcome with evil.

Second, read Titus 3:1-8.  Paul calls on Titus and others to be subject to rulers and authorities, and be ready to be obedient, do good, don’t slander, be peaceable, and show humility.   And just before you start thinking that you are better than the protestors who desecrated the “Shrine of Remembrance” by their foolish actions, remind yourself that before the grace of God appeared in our lives in the person of His Son and Holy Spirit, we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures, living in malice, being hated and hating one another. 

In closing, I appeal to you fellow Christians, we do not wish to desecrate the wonderful name of our blessed Saviour who obeyed the earthly authorities and loved His neighbour to the enth degree, which included you and me. Rather let us love and obey with humility our governing authorities and the chief health officer for the good of our neighbour and allow vengeance with the Lord who will repay with perfect justice when it is required.  JZ