Beyond Today Daily

Vengeance is Mine

In the wake of the Trayvon Martin murder trial it's time for cooler minds to call for calm. The words of Paul that caution patience come to mind.

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[Darris McNeely] In the wake of the not guilty verdict in the Trayvon Martin murder trial, it has been surprising to see the reaction. Well, perhaps not as surprising as it may seem. But from celebrities, from politicians, the comments that have been made, the people that are in the streets, the outrage that has been expressed. It's an ongoing story. Obviously this case has legs. It's going to go for quite some time.

As I've listened and read and watched what has been taking place in the aftermath of a legitimate trial by jury as a part of our judicial system, it has been surprising to hear the many calls that have been made for vengeance as if justice was not done. There's a danger here and we don't want to see a breakdown in our system, in our society, and certainly in the way these matters are handled in a civilized society.

In looking at all of this a scripture came to mind in Romans 12:19 that I think helps us to understand and put into context this matter of justice and especially vengeance. It's not right for anyone to take that vengeance in their own hands apart from an established order and system of law and justice. And I think Paul was writing to this when he said in Romans 12:19, he said, "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath." Give place to anger. Don't let anger overcome and dictate and drive one to vengeance.

He says, "Give place to wrath for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine. I will repay'" says the Lord." God says that it is His duty to take vengeance. It's not ours. And when we have a civilization set up as we do in the United States of America trial by jury, due process, it's important that we let that take its course and abide by the decisions. Matters have a way of taking care of themselves. To take it into our own hands is not the right way. Let God handle ultimate justice. Let God be true. Let God's word be true, and not take these matters into our own hands. And may cooler heads prevail as the story unfolds.

That's BT Daily. Join us next time.

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Darris McNeely

Darris McNeely works at the United Church of God home office in Cincinnati, Ohio. He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. They have two sons, who are both married, and four grandchildren. Darris is the Associate Media Producer for the Church. He also is a resident faculty member at the Ambassador Bible Center teaching Acts, Fundamentals of Belief and World News and Prophecy. He enjoys hunting, travel and reading and spending time with his grandchildren.