Title: Don't Gloat!/ Topic: Vengeance

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 25; Ezekiel 26; Ezekiel 27; Ezekiel 28; Revelation 10

Scripture: Ezekiel 25:3,4
This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because you said "Aha!" over my sanctuary when it was desecrated and over the land of Israel when it was laid waste and over the people of Judah when they went into exile, 4 therefore I am going to give you to the people of the East as a possession.

Observation: God brought judgment on Israel because of their sin, but He didn't put up with any other countries rejoicing over their punishment. Every single nation that rejoiced over Israel's downfall was judged and punished by God for doing so.

Application: Don't rejoice over the problems of your enemies! God doesn't rejoice over having to punish anyone and he doesn't want us to either. God even says that if we gloat over our enemies' punishment that He will stop His judgment of them prematurely (Proverbs 24:17-18 ). He reserves the right to dole out vengeance (Hebrews 10:29-31 ). We can pray for protection from our enemies and even that God will judge them, but we risk falling under judgment ourselves if we take pleasure in their suffering (Psalm 55:14-16 , Psalm 59:1-3 ).

Prayer: Father, I do pray that my enemies will be defeated. I pray that you will protect me from them for they desire my destruction. I also pray that you will keep my heart pure. I forgive all those who wish me ill and I pray that you will bring them to repentance. Let my heart never rejoice in the suffering of others, no matter who they are.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.