For the destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon, and her mighty men will be captured, their bows are shattered, for the Lord is a God of recompense. He will fully repay. (Jeremiah 51:56)
If God is God, He is a God of perfect justice. He cannot deny Himself. The rulers of Babylon experienced this in the prophet Jeremiah’s day. They had come against God’s people, Israel, taking them captive.
But God made a promise to the Israelites. Justice would be done. Ultimately, God would bring vengeance upon Babylon for their enslavement of His people. The Bible says that God will by no means clear the guilty.
This is why Paul reminds of the uselessness of taking our own revenge when others hurt us. To forgive others is a step of faith, transferring the issue from our courtroom to heaven’s. It is believing that if any adjusting needs to be done, God is capable and will accomplish it in His perfect time.
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)
AND THE BALANCE
A perfect God is not only flawless in justice but also mercy. His righteous judgments are what makes His mercy so extraordinary. He is compassionate to all who repent and cry out to Him for salvation and deliverance. He always answers a humble cry that looks to Him in faith.
Look at the cross. Jesus dying to atone for the sins of those who are crucifying Him. Perfect justice is occurring (punishment against our sin), but the Christ-of-Matchless-Love is taking it upon Himself (complete mercy).
And the most incredible mercy is the promise of a kingdom one day completely free of oppression and darkness—a world of perfect love for all those who trust His sacrifice on their behalf. The entire book of Jeremiah, in summary, is a record of God’s justice and mercy.
If you doubt God will bring justice, look back through human history with Him as Your teaching guide. You will see it everywhere. And look forward to the future—His judgment and mercy are coming in perfect order.
Father, thank You for Your perfection, that we never need to doubt the rightness of all You do. We can entrust our souls to You—both present and future—knowing that You will avenge where correction is needed and save where mercy is sought. I praise You today for Your boundless grace to me, in this life and the next!
As a pastor for the last 55 years, I have had the joy of being encouraged and blessed and prayed for by so many people. It is what carries you in your task of shepherding people. As I look back over five decades of ministry, their love has dramatically enriched my life.
But also, a pastor leads. And when anyone leads, there are almost always some who disagree.
