Getting Even

August 25, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:38-39

 

     Tolstoy wrote about an honest and hardworking Russian peasant. One night, a man was killed and the murderer placed the weapon in the bag of this sleeping peasant. The police discovered it and put the peasant in jail. The peasant survived the harsh conditions of the prison, bitterly hoping for the day he would be able to get revenge against the murderer.

 

     Twenty-six years later the real murderer was placed in prison and was caught sometime later, attempting to escape. The peasant witnessed everything. At long last, the opportunity long dreamed about, presented itself, for on the peasant’s word alone, the murderer would be put to death. Here was his big chance.

 

     Tell me, if that were you – what would you do?

 

     “Don’t get mad – get even!” right? Maybe an employer has treated you unfairly or a coworker has climbed to the top – jumping over your back. Perhaps your spouse has abandoned you – for someone else! Your parents may have failed you. You feel you have been “done wrong” and now you’re just waiting for a chance to retaliate. “Don’t get mad – get even” is a reasonable response in the face of gross unfairness isn’t it? NO – it’s NOT!

 

     Why?  God calls it vengeance and has a lot to say about it. “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 I don’t particularly like God’s emphasis on “never avenge”. I am much more willing to say, “don’t usually” or “try real hard not to”. But humanly speaking, I would want to make an exception in the case of our peasant friend - - but not God!

 

     King Saul was insanely jealous of David’s popularity and eventually stripped him of his job – his wife – his best friend and his self-respect, forcing David to run and hide for his safety. For years – not days - Saul pursued David aiming to kill him. But then – “Saul went into a cave to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave.” 1 Samuel 24:3

 

     I ask you again – what would you have done?  “Now’s your opportunity”, David’s men whispered to him. “Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.” 1 Samuel 24:4

 

     Short of a teenage prank, why do you think David did that? I mean, Saul wanted David D-E-A-D! Why didn’t David just get even?

 

     Saul was anointed by God to be King. David was bound by his duty to treat the King with respect and honor. David wisely and unselfishly chose to exhibit mercy.

 

     As Saul left the cave, David ran out behind him, holding the piece of Saul’s robe and said: “Look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.” 1 Samuel 24:11-12.

 

     David’s refusal to give in to the temptation to “get even” was a turning point because he chose to do what was right by repaying evil with good. “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:20-21

 

     You and I must always be like David and chose to place our faith in God – not in seeking or getting revenge!

 

     But wait - the story of the peasant continues…speaking of turning points; the peasant now had his opportunity to “get even” with the man who ruined his life. But instead of jumping at the chance, the peasant, suddenly filled with the overpowering grace and love of God, found himself saying to the officers: “I saw nothing.”

 

     Later that night, the murderer approached the peasant and on his knees, begged for forgiveness. The peasant simply replied, “God will forgive you. Maybe I am a hundred times worse.”

 

     I don’t know of any better witness to our faith in God than a willingness to forgive someone who has grievously harmed us. Is it ever easy? No!  However, it is necessary and worthwhile. Your willingness to forgive could be the principal turning point in your life – your health and your faith.

 

Heavenly Father,

 

     May we always choose to put our faith in You, rather than in seeking to get even. May we be willing to wait – however long – for revenge that comes only from You. In the meantime, help us to show the same love and forgiveness, you have shown us in our sin. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. "The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."
“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14