God Avenges
Good Morning,
Here are a few thoughts of comfort for those who are being beat up in this evil world.
When someone persecutes believers, they persecute Jesus.
Acts 9:5 “And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest…”
When one causes grief to the people of God, he also persecutes Jesus – it is personal! It is literal! Do not think the corrupt anti-God governments of China, Russia, the Middle East, or our own national tyrants (who tried to close churches during Covid) will not be dealt with by a just God. Allow me to use a more personal illustration: when someone does their best to harm the people of God or the church of God, they individually and personally will be accountable before a holy God.
Of the Apostle Paul, God said, “I will show him how great things he must suffer. ” Much of the suffering in Paul’s ministry was a byproduct of his abuse of God‘s people.
Trouble will surely be on the way for one who offends a child of God. Government agencies, city laws, or rich and unloving people who do not care for the children of God are in for some harsh treatment from God.
Matthew 18:5 “And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.”
vs. 6 “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”
The point of these passages is that God is not a silent, inactive observer. God sees and God cares, and though He does not work according to our timetable, He will deal with those who hurt His people.
God cares much for His chosen nation and His preachers.
1 Chronicles 16:22 “Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.”
Psalm 105:15 “Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.”
When David had the opportunity to take the life of king Saul, he did not choose to do so. He quoted the basic principle in these two verses: One who messes with another whom God has placed in the position of leadership will not be innocent.
1 Samuel 26:9 “And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?”
Guilty! God says a person who fights against the one anointed of God is guilty. It is important to understand that we are not talking about a godly pure Bible preacher, this passage deals with a corrupt king over Israel. Although he was corrupt, he was placed there by God. David was sure that God would move him in his own time. David was not going to mess with it.
The city officials who do harm to the church are in deep trouble.
The promise that some will lose their rewards is real.
Revelation 3:11 “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”
Some who enter Heaven will find they arrived “broke, flat busted,” and “ashamed.” (1 John 2:28; Luke 15:31)
Some people will have faced their earthly trials, but because they did so in an unscriptural manner, they will not gain the crowns they might have received.
2 Timothy 2:5 “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”
It has been said that Pontus Pilate, while in Hell, has been trying to wash blood off of his hands for over 2,000 years. We can also be sure that many people in Heaven will face the shame of their earthly behaviour, and it is their unchangeable lot.
1 Corinthians 3:14 “If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”
vs. 15 “If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
The songs says, “Be faithful weary pilgrim.” By doing so, great is your reward in Heaven.
Pastor