Wednesday, November 09, 2005

The Ugliness of Revenge

Ok, it's comfession time. Over the last year, I have often sat and daydreamed about how I could extract revenge for the ugliness and disgrace shown to me nearly a year ago. Fortunately, all my daydreams have remained just that. But I want to get rid of even the thoughts.

On Wednesday nights, we are studying David in our men's class. So, yesterday I was preparing my lesson. Some things David did make me wonder why he would be called "a man after God's own heart." But other things just blow me away. Like when he was on the run for his life. Saul had tried to kill him three times, and now is hunting him like an animal. David and his men are hiding in a cave, when it just so happens that Saul enters the cave to go "potty" (That's right, read it -- 1 Sam. 24). David had the perfect opportunity to extract his revenge. But he refused to harm God's anointed one. His men basically say to him, "If you won't do it -- we will!" And he doesn't even allow them to do it!

That's the attitude I want to have. Peter challenges us (1 Peter 2: 21-23): "To this you were called, because Christ suffeed for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.' When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats."

Oh, God -- take my heart captive! Possess me! I so want to be like Jesus.

3 comments:

jenny biz said...

Dad,thanks again for sharing your heart! I admire your willingness to be holy and pure. I am praying the Lord will continue to take captive those thoughts (even though in our human minds they seem so valid)

Joel said...

Rick,

I am so sorry for your pain. I wish I could say that if I could take it away, I would. But I wouldn't. For I don't know if I would have the amazing pleasure of meeting your sweet Jenny and David if it wasn't for your pain. I will pray that pain continues to die. I love you.

Jeff said...

I feel for you knowing the pain that comes from people we know. All the while, I see God's hand at work. I know I've said it before but I believe God had a plan for you and Beverly and Decatur and it continues to unfold with His blessings. I pray it will only continue while your memory of the pain fades away.