SOAP 05/03/2015; Judges 15:7

Today's reading: Judges 15

S) " ⁷ Samson said to them, 'Since you act like this, I will surely take revenge on you, but after that I will quit.'"

Judges 15:7 (NASB)

O) He was wrong. I don't want to say he was lying, but he was definitely wrong. Samson had another fight against the Philistines shortly after this revenge. While a person might argue that his next fight was not revenge, per se, it was still brutal and people died. This also wasn't the last time he had direct revenge, either. Looking to the end of his life, we read that he pulled a temple down atop his captors. This verse serves as a reminder about the condition of the heart and the limitations we have as humans. The first thing to note, is that we have faulty judgment. While it may seem to us that vengeance is due, we do not know with certainty and our inclination is often driven by emotions more than any rational justice. The second thing to note, is that we do not know the future perfectly. While we may have the best intentions from the outset, vengeance has a tendency to run on and on. Violence tends to beget violence, and retaliation results in vendettas. This is a vicious cycle, the end of which is difficult for any person to forecast. The last thing to note about vengeance, is that it never delivers on its promise. Vengeance is difficult to execute in the first place, and even if a person is able to exact their revenge, it never heals a broken heart. All of this adds up to a warning, and Samson's life is a good cautionary tale to this end, that vengeance belongs to the LORD, alone (see Deut 32:35, Ps 94:1, Rom 12:19, 1Thess 4:6, Heb 10:30).

A) Evinced by the many verses about this topic, many of which come through the New Testament, I must understand Samson's words as haughty. I remember as a child, my mother told me that I was not allowed to retaliate against my brothers, saying, "Vengeance is mine, sayeth the LORD." Even having heard that verse quoted so many times, learning the truth of it so young, I am still tempted in my flesh when I feel wronged. There is still the desire I have to "make things right." Along with remembering the direct, simple command that vengeance does not belong to me, I should also remember stories like Samson's foolishness. Even if I never act upon my impulse, I need to remember what a waste it is to let myself be tantalized by revenge. It is foolish, haughty, and fruitless.

P) Father, You are perfect in both Your judgment and Your timing. I choose to humble myself before my adversaries. When someone wrongs me, I choose to allow room for Your judgment, and Yours alone. I will not take what is rightfully Yours. Strengthen me to resist that fleshly temptation. Sharpen my mind to remember both the commands to let You handle it, but also the myriad stories of the foolishness of vengeance at the hands of men. Help me to humble myself before Your judgment and Your timing, and let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.