Hakkul, a snake charmer, opened three bags of snakes in a government office. Many of the serpents remained tangled together in a knot. Others advanced toward the office workers who had hopped up on desks or huddled together awaiting help. Apparently, Hakkul was angry because officials had not responded to his request for land on which to house his snakes. “Having waited patiently for [2 years],” he said, “I had no option but to leave all my snakes in this office.”
I see some similarities between Hakkul’s story and that of Haman in the book of Esther. The trouble began when Mordecai, a Jew living in Persia, refused to bow down to Haman as all the other officials did (Esther 3:2). Haman, a big shot in King Xerxes’ administration, noticed this and “was filled with rage” (Esther 3:5). So he planned to strike back at every Jew in Persia (Esther 3:6) by committing genocide. In the end, the Jews were saved and Haman died the death he had planned for Mordecai (Esther 7:10).
Though Haman ended up dead, and Hakkul merely ended up in the news, they both followed the same path to unhappy endings. An offense led to anger, which inspired revenge. To avoid this kind of escalation, the Bible advises us to “turn the other cheek” when we’re mistreated (Luke 6:29). If we do become angry, we’re not supposed to transgress by letting anger control us (Ephesians 4:26). God’s final safeguard against revenge is His command: “Never pay back evil with more evil” (Romans 12:17).
When people disregard our needs, fail to respect us, or otherwise offend us, we have a choice about how to respond. We can use venomous words and actions to strike back, or we can hold back—with God’s help—and let Him handle the offense (Romans 12:19). Holding back honors Him.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 20:24–21:14
More:
Read Judges 16:28-30 to see how Samson’s death resulted from his quest for vengeance.
Next:
Why is it so difficult to respond to insults and anger in a way that honors God? How does taking revenge go against the golden rule? (Matthew 22:39).
strngwmnnchrst on October 1, 2012 at 12:18 am
You can’t vengeance like God…..Turning the other cheek may not be easy, but it’s worth it in the end….We are to imitate our Lord and savior as much as depends on us…..When we don’t respond according to the flesh, it also causes the offender to take note….They may not say anything to us, but you better believe it, they are wondering why we’re not responding in the same way…..
jennifer benson schuldt on October 1, 2012 at 10:33 am
Great point! Holding back shows that we are different from our offenders. It is incredibly hard to do this when our “flesh” wants to respond in the opposite way. I see it in my kids–one provokes the other, and the other one strikes back. It takes God’s help to return kindness for insult.
winn collier on October 1, 2012 at 9:30 am
turning the other cheek really is a strange combination of humility and strength.
jennifer benson schuldt on October 1, 2012 at 10:43 am
Well said! People usually consider a person strong when he or she fights back, but the Bible teaches something different (Romans 12:20).
tom felten on October 1, 2012 at 9:57 am
As I read this, Jen, I was reminded of how carefully and respectfully Jesus responded to those who were against Him. He even chose not to try and defend Himself. What grace and humility.
jennifer benson schuldt on October 1, 2012 at 10:39 am
Tom, what a lesson for all of us–that is so true. As Jesus was being crucified, He asked God to forgive his persecutors (Like 23:34). That makes me think about the relative insignificance of my issues in this area.
alli on October 1, 2012 at 4:14 pm
this is tru, i have been insulted and refused to do my best because i was angry and figured im not going to work hard bc when i do they are not appreciative, but im the only one that suffers when i try to make someone else pay.
alli on October 1, 2012 at 4:15 pm
so if i did what i was supposed to to help no matter how they treated me and didn’t look for a reward it wouldnt even be an issue
tom felten on October 2, 2012 at 10:26 am
That’s right, alli. The apostle Paul wrote, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (Colossians 3:23). These thoughts can radically affect the way we work and how we relate to our co-workers!
Adetunji Adeyemi Michael on October 2, 2012 at 10:29 am
I wonder what the word vengeance really meant. If we as a body of Christ truly believed that every temptation is a test and makes us stronger, we wouldn’t have wanted to hear the word revenge! James 1:12-16 God bless this post.