Do
the best you can to live in peace with everyone. My friends, don’t try to punish anyone who does wrong
to you. Wait for God to punish them with
his anger. In the Scriptures the Lord
says, “I am the one who punishes; I will pay people back.”
But
you should do this: “If you have enemies
who are hungry, give them something to eat. If you have enemies who are thirsty, give
them something to drink. In
doing this you will make them feel ashamed.”
Romans 12:18-20 (ERV) © 2006 by World
Bible Translation Center
If you’re older than 20 it’s hard to
forget where you were and what you were doing that day. I was sitting in my study at church. The church secretary had turned on the TV and
she cried out from down the hall, the Trade Center is on fire.
My immediate thought was simply: a fire. That changed quickly. As we stood watching the first tower burning,
reports started unfolding of an “accident” – an airliner had collided with the
building. And, while we watched, the
second plane hit.
The word “terrorism” has been part of
our national vocabulary ever since.
Throughout that first day we were
frustrated trying to get in touch with family and friends living in New York
and the surrounding area. It was a
frightening, sickening sensation, wanting to know if loved ones were alright.
Events over the past 13 years have
not diminished the memory; the terror in “terrorism” and the
devastation in loss have that effect.
But while the terrorists wanted to implant terror – fear which refuses to go away
– for most Americans the fear was temporary; what lasts to this day is a cry
for justice.
But justice is an incredibly sharp,
double-edged pendulum; when it swings it will swiftly measure and exact retribution. It is much like the man who was obviously
guilty and brought before the judge.
With indignation he bellowed, “Judge, I want justice!” The judge calmly replied, “Sir, considering
the evidence against you, I think you meant to ask for mercy.”
This is why Paul reminds us to leave
vengeance or payback to the only judge equipped to handle it – God Almighty. All of us are too bent toward sin to demand
justice. Osama bin Laden has been gone
several years now. Although we may have
felt some sense of “closure” at his death – did that really satisfy a thirst
for payback?
Vengeance is like drugs, materialism
or sexual perversion – nothing is ever enough; there is
always a desire to push-on to the next level, go deeper and gather more. Vengeance is a dish you cannot serve cold;
only God can judge justly.
So
What Now?
Today marks the 13th anniversary
of the attacks. Many of us are still often
reminded of how different our lives became on that day:
·
security
measures at travel venues and sporting events.
·
9-11
speaks volumes of indelible images to our minds of tragedy and suffering
·
there
is distrust and presumed guilt for persons of Muslim faith.
But Paul reminds us to do [our]
best to live in peace with everyone.
He suggests reversing the fear or terror
factor by ministering to our enemies who are hungry and thirsty.
I can think of only one first
step in any of that – relinquish!
Let go of fear, anger, or distrust of others. Give it into God’s capable hands and let Him
work out the justice. Place yourself in
the middle of His mercy.
For You, Today…
What will you remember today?
I suggest you remember the cross
of Calvary, where we were the terrorists, and Jesus forgave. Then you’ll be in a place to forgive others.
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