Like Father Like Sons (Part 3):
The Conspiracy in Vengeance Reborn
2 Samuel 13:20-39 (ESV)
To fail to pursue God’s system of conflict resolution, no matter how well intentioned, still opposes God’s wisdom and sets ourselves up as God’s counselor.
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” Romans 11:34 (ESV)
A leader must seek justice for the innocent.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy. Proverbs 31:9 (NASB)
The sin of injustice violates the innocent twice.
Personal vengeance injures two people—the one who first did wrong and the one who avenges.
22 But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar. 2 Samuel 13:22 ESV
32 But Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, said, “Let not my lord suppose that they have killed all the young men, the king’s sons, for Amnon alone is dead. For by the command of Absalom this has been determined from the day he violated his sister Tamar. 33 Now therefore let not my lord the king so take it to heart as to suppose that all the king’s sons are dead, for Amnon alone is dead.”
34 But Absalom fled. And the young man who kept the watch lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming from the road behind him by the side of the mountain. 35 And Jonadab said to the king, “Behold, the king’s sons have come; as your servant said, so it has come about.” 2 Samuel 13:32-35 ESV
Many of us have observed that in the church those with the greatest gifts pose the gravest threat, for unless their gifts are wrapped in godliness they multiply disaster among Christ's flock.
A love that does not discipline is not genuine love at all.
13 And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. 1 Samuel 3:13 (ESV)
We will reap what we sow.
The problem with revenge is that it does not really solve any problems and eventually turns around and hurts the perpetrator.
Francis Bacon: In revenge, a man is but even with his enemy, but in passing it over, he is superior.
19 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.” Romans 12:19 (ESV)
1 O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth! 2 Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve! Psalm 94:1-2 (ESV)