Commit Yourself to The Righteous Judge

[23] “who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;” — 1 Peter 2:23 NKJV

Every experienced minister will attest that offences abound in the ministry. Sometimes, the subordinates don’t do what’s required of them in time. Other times, people will hate you, the minister, for what you do, even if it’s blessing lives. Many times, these things are surprising to see because they usually come from people you least expected. But in dealing with every offence, what method do you employ – the Jesus way or the human way that seeks revenge? Unbelievers will choose the latter option. But for us, believers in Christ, we’re supposed to approach it in the Jesus way. However, what does it mean to do that?

Among the list of evil things that people did to Jesus, 1 Peter 2:23 explains how Jesus responded to them. When Jesus was reviled (meaning criticised), He didn’t revile in return. When they made Him subject to suffering, He didn’t threaten them that He’ll use His heavenly power to consume them like what Elijah did to the soldiers, although He could have.

Jesus forgave and committed Himself to the Righteous Judge – the Father. Jesus knew that God would judge the living and the dead (see 2 Timothy 4:1). So He didn’t need to take revenge on anyone. And that was a powerful strategy He employed to do ministry with a sound mind despite controversies. What can we learn from this?

God is the One who’ll judge people’s offences. So, as a believer, if you live with this consciousness, it’ll be easy to forgive others because you know God will repay their evil deeds in His due time.

Sometimes, people think because Jesus died for the sins of mankind, God doesn’t punish them when they do evil things. But my friend, the effect of Jesus’ sin atonement covers those who are saved, not those who are not. Besides that, God also has a way of judging even the saved ones who overlook the cross and sin deliberately, insulting the Spirit of grace in the end (Hebrews 10:26-27).

Take note, whatever man sows, he’ll reap it (Galatians 6:7). If people keep doing evil things against you, deal with them as Jesus dealt with those evil Israelites and bore the suffering. Just commit yourself to the Righteous Judge, and He will settle the scores for you.

Always be mindful about fulfilling what God has called you to do so much that the evil things people do to you won’t get a second of your time to think about you hurting them back. The Lord will keep fighting against anything that disrupts your peace as His sent one.

You’re a blessing.

Prayer:

Lord, grant me the grace to commit myself to you, especially when I get hurt by unsuspecting people. May I never take on Your work of vengeance to repay evil with evil, but evil with good and good always. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 071