Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
Vengeance Is Mine
Today’s Audio Devotion:
Vengeance Is Mine
Shortly before the nation of Israel entered the promised land of Canaan, Moses recited a song in praise of God (Deuteronomy 32:1-43). Speaking of those who oppose God, Moses quoted God’s perspective on them: “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense” (verse 35). In other words, the wicked will reap what they have sown (Galatians 6:7). It is not up to men to pay back the wicked for their deeds, for vengeance belongs to God alone (Romans 12:19).
Once their father, Jacob, had died, Joseph might have been tempted to exact revenge on his brothers. But he didn’t. Years before Moses spoke about vengeance belonging to God, Joseph seemed to have understood that important truth: “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?” He knew that any judgment or retribution for evil must come from God alone, not from man. To seek vengeance on another person is to put ourselves in the place of God to whom judgment belongs.
Vengeance is a carnal, common response when we have been wronged. If you have been wronged, meditate on Paul’s expansion of this theme in Romans 12:17-21.
The instinct of retribution is the strongest instinct of the human heart.
Augustus H. Strong
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Some 2,600 years ago, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream. In this dream, the king saw a five–part statue made of five different metals (see Daniel 2). Each section represented an empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. Four of these empires have already risen and fallen in history—a clear fulfillment of Daniel's prophetic interpretation. The fifth and final empire indicates a future Europe—a ten nation coalition that will unite under the Antichrist's rule.
You can read about the King's dream and Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2, but let's take a quick visual look at what you will find:
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King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).
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Medo–Persian Empire
The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).
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Grecian Empire
Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).
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Roman Empire
When the Grecian empire was conquered by Rome, all the lands and peoples of the previous kingdoms were assimilated into the Roman Empire through the strengths of the "iron legions of Rome" (Daniel 2:40).
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Future European Coalition
This empire has not yet risen. Daniel foretells a time when the Roman Empire—Europe—will consist of ten kingdoms or leaders. The future Roman Empire will be present on the earth when God sets up His earthly kingdom (Daniel 2:44).