Introductory Thoughts
The believer’s life is loaded with benefits (Psalm 68:19), but one of the greatest of these benefits concerns the area of vengeance. According to scripture, vengeance is reserved for the Lord’s enemies (Deuteronomy 32:41; Judges 11:36), or adversaries (Deuteronomy 32:43; Jeremiah 46:10; Nahum 1:2), or the heathen (Psalm 149:7; Micah 5:15) but specifically upon “them that know not God” (2 Thessalonians 1:8). God does not deal with His people in vengeance, it is reserved for those who reject the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:8). When the children of God are disobedient, the Lord chastens, but He never takes vengeance upon His own.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Read why God destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Ezekiel 16:49-50; Genesis 19:24). He waited until the two angels removed Lot and his family out of the city (2 Peter 2:6-7; Genesis 19:16). Likewise, Gods children are not appointed unto wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9).
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(For everyone): How should believers respond to a greater understanding of Gods vengeance (see Psalm 58:10; Isaiah 35:4)? Why should believers take comfort from Gods vengeance?
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What are some other distinctions you can think of that come with being saved? Write them down and thank the Lord for the benefits of knowing Him.
Prayer Thoughts
- If you are saved, thank the Lord for His salvation.
- Ask the Lord to give you a burden for those who are not saved.
Song
Tremble, Ye Sinners
