What do you do when you’ve been insulted, slandered, or injured? Is your first instinct to seek revenge? The thought of “sweet revenge” is tempting. But the Truth is there’s nothing sweet about human vengeance. In today’s devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that the righteous Judge, Jesus Christ, can only carry out perfect justice.
If you would like more insight into today’s devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon End of History and You, Part 2: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
What awaits the believer after this life? And how does our eternal future impact our lives today? In his new book Heaven Awaits, Dr. Michael Youssef dispels misconceptions about the believer’s eternal home and articulates the blessings, majesty, and reality of heaven as displayed in Scripture. As you dig into God’s promises for your future in Christ, you’ll be lifted up and empowered to persevere today with joy in your hope that will never disappoint. Pre-order your copy today for your gift of any amount! (The book will ship upon its release in early May 2024.)
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[00:00:00] You are listening to MY Devotional, the Daily Devotional from Dr. Michael Youssef and Leading The Way.
[00:00:30] What we long for is perfect justice and this can only be carried out by the righteous judge King Jesus.
[00:00:37] So we must wait for his return taking comfort in God's promise in Deuteronomy 32-35, which says it is mine to avenge I will repay.
[00:00:49] In 2 Thessalonians 1-5-12, we read that the Christians living in Thessalonica knew what it was to be wronged.
[00:00:59] Paul was writing to the Thessalonians to encourage them that during a season of suffering intensified by the despair of false teaching,
[00:01:07] and there were plenty of reasons for the Thessalonian believers to seek retribution.
[00:01:11] And Paul never diminished their pain, contrary to what you may have heard, the Bible never glosses over evil.
[00:01:19] It never pretends that evil does not exist. God's Word calls evil evil. It calls suffering suffering.
[00:01:27] And pain, pain. The Bible says that when believers suffer unjustly and experience crushing circumstances beyond their control,
[00:01:36] not only will God be with them present in a very special way, he will also not overlook the injustice that's taken place.
[00:01:46] When Jesus Christ returns in glory, He will set everything right. Those believers who have suffered in this life will be comforted, rewarded,
[00:01:55] and welcomed in the God's kingdom. But those who have rejected Christ, mocked God and brought pain to His people will be punished with ever-lasting destruction.
[00:02:07] Instead of spending your life filled with anger, bitterness, and thoughts of revenge, comfort yourself and others with God's promise of perfect justice and the wonder of His grace for you.
[00:02:19] Spend your life praying and encouraging others as you ready yourself for His return. Having compassion for the loss that leads you to ask,
[00:02:28] how can I turn all the bitter circumstances that I've been through into an opportunity to share Christ?
[00:02:34] That's the best remedy for bitterness and a sure recipe for joy today.
[00:02:39] Let's pray together. Lord, help us to trust in Your perfect justice and to forgive remembering the grace that we've received.
[00:02:48] Thank You for Your mercy and grace toward us for the perfect sacrifice that has redeemed us from the pit as Jesus bore our punishment on the cross.
[00:02:58] We pray this in the name of Jesus, amen.
[00:03:02] If today's devotional encouraged you, we'd love to hear about it. Leave a review and share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it.
[00:03:11] My devotional is a ministry of leading the way with Dr. Michael Yussa. To learn more, visit LTW.org today.