July 19: Vengeance versus Blessing

2 Samuel 3:1–4:12; 1 Peter 3:8–22; Psalm 135:1–21

Comparing the passages of 2 Sam 3:1–4:12 and 1 Pet 3:8–22 teaches us that all Scripture can be used for instruction: Some passages provide wisdom on how to become more like Christ, while others are best regarded as “things not to do.”
Peter’s first letter tells us, “be harmonious, sympathetic, showing mutual affection, compassionate, humble, not repaying evil for evil or insult for insult, but [instead] blessing others, because for this reason you were called, so that you could inherit a blessing” (1 Pet 3:8–9). We can find the same lesson, told a different way, in 2 Sam 3:1–4:12. The violence of the war between David and Saul’s houses vividly portrays how acts of vengeance rob us of harmony and blessing.
Some passages in the Bible are beautiful, while others are barbaric. Both teach us we’re not meant to live in vengeance, like the houses of David and Saul. While we realize these individuals often acted against God’s will, we should still recognize their love for God (when it’s present) and their desire to follow Him (when it appears authentic) and live in those ways. Jesus is the only leader in the Bible we can look to as a supreme example of righteousness. Every other person in the Bible is flawed in their humanity, but that gives us hope: God can use us, like He used them—despite their mistakes.
If we could live up to Peter’s ideals of living in harmony and showing sympathy to others, the world would certainly be a better place, but we can’t do so without depending on God. In the midst of chaos, or when we give in to ego, it’s hard to live the way we should, even when we are people of faith. But when we learn to follow God in being compassionate, humble, and a blessing to people, we create opportunity for Him to bring harmony and sympathy. If David and Saul’s men had put vengeance aside to seek God, their story would certainly have been less barbaric and far more beautiful.

How can you incorporate humility, compassion, and the practice of blessing into your life?

Barry, J. D., & Kruyswijk, R. (2012). Connect the Testaments: A One-Year Daily Devotional with Bible Reading Plan. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

Excellent Work is Resilient

Early in Joseph’s life, his brothers hated him and wanted to kill him. They sold him into slavery and convinced their dad that Joseph was dead. Now, they come to Joseph in need of food. Joseph could finally get his revenge, if he wanted it. But instead Joseph bounced back to a loving relationship with his brothers. This is what he did his entire professional career. Joseph always worked with great resiliency when things didn’t go his way. He didn’t get discouraged or give up. He consistently worked with excellence, whether it was in a prison or palace. He never swayed from serving God though his work. 

How could he work with such resiliency? He knew that, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20). In order to do excellent work that is energized with God’s favor, we need to have the same perspective. Joseph knew that whatever famine or person came to harm him, God would use the situation to bring about something good. 

Paul gives us the same perspective in Romans. Not all things that happen to us are good. Some of the things that we do aren’t good. They can be quite bad, in fact. But God is so committed to us that he can take any circumstance and use it for our good. This perspective gives us the power to serve God in our work, no matter what is happening. No matter the motive of your boss, no matter what is happening in the market, God will bring good from it. Then, while others are stuck in fear and scarcity, you can be resilient. You will be able to bounce back … and help others bounce back too. 

Prayer

Father, I thank you that you use all things I do and that are done to me for good. Thank you for the hope and certainty of your provision. I know now that, no matter the circumstance, my work can be filled with your favor and bring good. Help me to believe this truth more deeply every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.