In our life group discussion last night I brought up how we pray for those who hurt us. I mentioned that I think it’s okay to ask God to “Get ’em” when they are continuously hurtful and mean spirited.
It was asked, “So, is it okay to pray God’s wrath on people?”
I didn’t have a concrete answer and it’s been bugging me ever since.
We know the God of the Old Testament brought wrath onto His enemies, and the enemies of His children.
He has not changed. He is the same God, He has the same power and His holiness requires a harsh consequence for anything that would mock, belittle, antagonize, or in any way come against that holiness. His perfection and glory are serious attributes that cannot be trifled with, and because of that the stories of the Old Testament are often harsh and violent.
I did explain last night that Jesus’ mission on the cross was meant to absorb this wrath. When Jesus died for us, He died with all that mockery, all that antagonism, all that rebellion against God on His shoulders. All the wrath of God that should be falling on the men and women who persecute God’s truth, fell on Jesus. This is why darkness fell, this is why He cried out in agony that God had forsaken Him. He was carrying every sin and God could not look at it, or let it thrive, He had to destroy it, even as it draped itself on His only Son.
Several Scriptures come to mind as I think about this topic.
Vengeance is mine – “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.” Romans 12:19
The “vengeance is Mine” quote is from Deuteronomy but is quoted by Paul for the benefit of New Testament believers. Paul says, “leave room for…” This what I used to tell my kids. If you take your own wrath out on your brother, you are making it impossible for me to chastise him. When you allow me to discipline and don’t take that discipline into your own hands, you give me the chance to bring about repentance. When you “get even” your brother is not sorry, and no one is better for the altercation.
We are the same way. Our vengeance doesn’t typically make us feel better, and it certainly doesn’t bring about repentance in the other person.
This verse does tell us that God has a plan for dealing with hurtful people.
Forgive them – “But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.” Luke 23:34
Jesus will ALWAYS be our best example. This is particularly important in terms of dealing with unbelievers. You could argue that the men and women mocking Jesus knew exactly what they were doing, but they obviously didn’t know WHO they were doing it to. When people come against us, remember that they truly do not know that they are harming a child of God, and let the awareness of the darkness they live in bring your heart to mercy. You are His child, and He will deal with those who malign you, but He will do it in His way, and His time. Your prayer should first be for their redemption. In that resignation of your rights and powers as God’s child, God will have free reign to do what is needed in those relationships.
Ananias & Sapphira – “…Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it.
…
Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.” 10 And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last,” Acts 5:4b-5, 9-10a
Here God brought an ultimate end to two deceivers. He did not torture them, make them cry out in sorrow, He just ended them swiftly. This was clearly a case of people who knew better. They were defrauding their brothers and sisters in Christ.
Which leads me to 1 Thessalonians.
The Avenger – “and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you.” 1 Thessalonians 4:6
This verse makes it very clear that God has the ability and the authority to avenge us, but again, he’s talking about matters between believers.
God is our Father, and as such He will intervene in matters between His children. I think we can apply that to the things we say and do to each other in the church, but I think we would be amiss to try to ask God to deal harshly with those outside His family. Just as I wouldn’t spank my neighbor’s kids.
There will be a day of judgment when God’s wrath for all those who did not accept the salvation offered through Christ will be brought on mankind. It will be severe and terrible and there will be great sorrow for all that was done in denial of God’s love, and holiness.
My answer then: we can ask God to deal with His children. As only a Father can. But I believe in the case of unbelievers we must be careful to pray instead for mercy. In asking for wrath we may be asking God to destroy any path He has to their repentance. Essentially taking out the bridge and making it impossible for them to join us in eternity with God.
Instead, as my mom used to tell me as a little girl, “We need to pray for them, they don’t know any better.”