Read Ezekiel Chapter 25
I Enjoy Being Persecuted.
Lord prophesized against Ammon and Moab because they rejoiced over the destruction of God’s people, the Israelites. The Lord also prophesied against Edom and Philistia because they took revenge upon Judah. Therefore the Lord will take vengeance against them and destroy them.
I’m reminded of two things from this chapter:
1. Just as people attacked God’s people in Judah, so are people today attacking followers of Christ. How are we to respond? Jesus said in Matthew 5:11-12, “BLESSED are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me [Jesus]. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
2. When the people attacked Judah with vengeance and revenge, the Lord said that it is not our job to take vengeance or revenge. The Lord said it’s his job because his vengeance will be just and fair. Our revenge focuses on getting EVEN which only stirs up more hate. That’s why the Lord said in Romans 12, “hate what is EVIL; cling to what is GOOD. Be devoted to one another in LOVE. HONOR one another above yourself…. Be joyful in hope, PATIENT in affliction, faithful in PRAYER…. Do not take REVENGE, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s Wrath for it is written: it is mine to avenge. I will repay says the Lord. On the contrary: if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heep burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
God will use our love and goodness to break down walls of hate.
Have a blessed day!
