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Hebrews 10:26-31, Call to Perseverance

Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today

For we know the one who said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.”
— Hebrews 10:30

NL Daily Devotion for Friday, August 2, 2019

by R. Fergus Moir, Clergy Stuff


Judging others is not my business. At. All. Far too often, I think we read these passages in the Bible about God’s vengeance and punishment on those who somehow fail to measure up in some way, and we take that as permission to decide who has and hasn’t measured up. Guess what? Not my job. Vengeance is God’s. Which doesn’t necessarily mean God will deliver vengeance. But it sure as heck means I’m not supposed to!

God is gracious and merciful, and there is not one thing we can do to earn such grace and mercy. It is freely given in Christ Jesus. So there’s no way we can live up to whatever standard we think God might have. Instead of worrying about who ought to be judged and receive vengeance, we would do well to ask God where we can improve our own character and walk more closely with Jesus.

Where has my judgment of others gotten in the way of loving God?