Notes of Faith September 30, 2025

Vengeance Is Mine

Joseph said to [his brothers], “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?”

Genesis 50:19

Shortly before the nation of Israel entered the promised land of Canaan, Moses recited a song in praise of God (Deuteronomy 32:1-43). Speaking of those who oppose God, Moses quoted God’s perspective on them: “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense” (verse 35). In other words, the wicked will reap what they have sown (Galatians 6:7). It is not up to men to pay back the wicked for their deeds, for vengeance belongs to God alone (Romans 12:19).

Once their father, Jacob, had died, Joseph might have been tempted to exact revenge on his brothers. But he didn’t. Years before Moses spoke about vengeance belonging to God, Joseph seemed to have understood that important truth: “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?” He knew that any judgment or retribution for evil must come from God alone, not from man. To seek vengeance on another person is to put ourselves in the place of God to whom judgment belongs.

Vengeance is a carnal, common response when we have been wronged. If you have been wronged, meditate on Paul’s expansion of this theme in Romans 12:17-21.

The instinct of retribution is the strongest instinct of the human heart.

Augustus H. Strong

As stated above, our fallen nature desires to fight back…an eye for an eye…no, not really…we want to cause worse injury and pain than has been inflicted upon us. It is not easy to forgive, but it is the will and heart of God. He forgave you and me when we did not have a heart turned toward Him. We conspired evil in our hearts until He drew us with His gift of faith and gave us His heart. Let us not seek vengeance and retribution but rather forgive and pray for hearts to be changed by the Spirit of God for His name’s sake and their eternal destination.

Pastor Dale