TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

DEVOTIONAL

by Sandra Chua

When we watch TV series, the villains are so good that we eagerly want them punished for their evils. But of course, the scriptwriters withhold vengeance as long as they can so that we would keep watching.

In real life, we often feel the same way. There are many instances when we see evil people seemingly being tolerated and even rewarded with money and fame. They seem to be getting away with doing what their hearts desire. It’s as if God is turning a blind eye. It is far from amusing as we wait for God to show them that they are wrong and show them who He is.

In today’s reading, God has used Babylon to punish the sins of Israel. But Babylon had gone overboard, and God was grieved to see Israel suffer. He remembered His covenant, and God decreed the destruction of the land of the Chaldeans! The LORD made Babylon waste and stilled her mighty voice, bringing down her pride. The people of Babylon raised their voices in anguish because their warriors were taken. The once great city was now rendered defenseless. Their gates were burned. All their labor, everything they took pride in and wearied themselves for, was burned with fire. Verse 56 declares, “for the LORD is a God of recompense; He will surely repay.” God was not blind. His heart was not unmoved. He loved Israel and has come to their rescue. But let us not also forget what caused the delay. Jeremiah 51:9 “We would have healed Babylon, but she was not healed. Forsake her, and let us go each to his own country, for her judgment has reached up to heaven and has been lifted up even to the skies.” God also gave Babylon time to repent. His mercies extended to them, but it was in vain. 2 Peter 3:9 states, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

REFLECTION

How do I view God’s justice? Am I as compassionate as Him as to wait for people I consider evil to come to repentance? Have I wronged other people such that unaware they are asking the God of recompense to punish me? What if the shoe is on the other side? How will I stand?

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, if You kept a record of sin, who could stand? But You have swept away our iniquities like the clouds, our sins like the morning mist. You made Him who had no sin to become sin for us so that we might in Him be a righteousness of God. When we look at others and ask for recompense, may You show us how we have hurt other people so that we may make amends and ask for forgiveness? Show us how to pray for people who we think need to be punished. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.