Entrusting Our Cause to God: Overcoming Revenge and Seeking His Justice

When Jesus was on earth, he experienced unimaginable suffering and was treated with great hostility. Despite being dishonored and reviled, Jesus did not retaliate or threaten those who hurt him. Instead, he entrusted himself to God, who judges justly. This act of entrusting his cause to God allowed Jesus to overcome bitterness and vengeance.

No one in history has been more deserving of honor than Jesus, yet no one has been more dishonored. He endured the ultimate injustice, being crucified for the sins of humanity. Despite this, Jesus did not seek revenge or harbor bitterness in his heart. He chose to forgive and pray for those who persecuted him, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

In the book of 1 Peter, the apostle Peter encourages believers to follow in the footsteps of Jesus when it comes to enduring harsh treatment patiently. He reminds them that they have been called to suffer, just as Christ suffered for them. Peter points to Jesus as an example of how to respond to mistreatment. By having faith in the future grace of God's righteous judgment, believers can overcome the temptation to seek vengeance and instead entrust their cause to God.

The concept of entrusting ourselves to God is not limited to times of suffering or mistreatment. It is a daily practice that allows us to surrender our desires for revenge and instead rely on God's justice. When we trust in God's sovereignty and his promise to make all things right, we can let go of our need for personal vindication. We can forgive those who have wronged us and pray for their well-being, knowing that God alone is the ultimate judge.

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who chose to entrust themselves to God in the face of adversity. Joseph, despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, trusted in God's plan and was eventually elevated to a position of power. David, while being pursued by King Saul, refused to harm Saul, trusting that God would deal with him justly. These stories serve as reminders that we too can entrust ourselves to God's judgment and forgiveness, even in the midst of great pain and injustice.

When we choose to entrust ourselves to God, we are freed from the burden of seeking revenge. We can release the bitterness and anger that often accompany mistreatment and instead focus on living in obedience to God's commands. This does not mean that we passively accept or condone injustice, but rather that we trust in God's timing and wisdom to bring about justice in his own way.

In our world today, it is easy to become consumed by anger and a desire for revenge. We see injustice and mistreatment all around us, and the temptation to respond in kind is strong. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to a different standard. We are called to live in a way that reflects the character of Jesus, who forgave his enemies and entrusted himself to God.

Choosing to entrust ourselves to God requires faith. It requires us to believe that God is just and that he will ultimately make all things right. It requires us to let go of our desire for personal vengeance and instead seek God's will. It is not an easy path, but it is the path that Jesus walked before us, and it is the path that leads to true freedom and healing.

As we entrust ourselves to God, we can find peace and rest in his sovereignty. We can release the burden of seeking revenge and instead focus on living a life of love and forgiveness. We can trust that God will bring about justice in his own time and in his own way. And in doing so, we can reflect the character of Christ to a world that so desperately needs his love and grace.

So, let us follow in the footsteps of Jesus and choose to entrust ourselves to God. Let us release our desire for revenge and instead seek his justice. And let us live in a way that reflects the love and forgiveness that Christ has shown us. In doing so, we can experience true freedom and find healing for our wounded souls.