THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 137
“Happy is the person who pays you back according to what you have done to us.” (Psalm 137:8)
This psalm writer is a victim of horrific abuse, dreaming of revenge.
I get the anger, but the imagery of killing babies is sickening.
How could God inspire the psalmist to write these words.
But a bible of sunshine and fluffy white clouds wouldn’t reflect reality.
God isn’t encouraging this, He is showing us what a world of sin is like.
The shock of the cycle of sin and death should make us long for God’s help.
Through Jesus God does help us break this cycle of violence and revenge justice.
Instead of “an eye for an eye”, Jesus offers Himself to die the victim’s death.
God loves the victim and hates injustice and violence and brutality.
But thankfully He doesn’t join in on it; He beats it with love and mercy.
We shouldn’t forget the victims, but neither should we join the cycle of violence.
Revenge won’t help… only God’s way of humble love and mercy can set us free.
“But here is what I tell you. Love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. Then you will be children of your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, when I think of this kind of brutality, I feel sick. You see it first hand every day. Thank You for breaking the cycle of hate and revenge. Help me to love like You love, to live like You live!