Joel 3:19-21 - God of justice

Scripture:

Joel 3:19-21
19 Egypt will become a waste,
And Edom will become a desolate wilderness,
Because of the violence done to the sons of Judah,
In whose land they have shed innocent blood.

20 But Judah will be inhabited forever
And Jerusalem for all generations.
21 And I will avenge their blood which I have not avenged,
For the Lord dwells in Zion.
NASU


Thoughts:

God's divine judgment will be completed.  The enemies of Israel will not forever go unpunished for their atrocities (verse 19).

Verse 21 ought to be an encouragement when we struggle with the evil we see in the world:  the Lord will avenge.  This is true in the general sense, not just in speaking of ancient Israel.  Perhaps not as quickly as we would like, but no evil deed will go unpunished.  Justice will be done, God's very nature requires it.


Prayer:

Thank You Lord, that You will right every wrong.  Whether in this lifetime or the next, all will face the consequences of their actions.

I'm so thankful that You offer to bear the consequences of our sins.  When I placed my faith in Christ, His suffering and death became payment for those things for which I deserve the same.  Justice has been served in Christ for me!

2 Corinthians 5:21
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
NASU

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.