Sermon for the third Sunday after Epiphany. The Scripture readings are 2 Kings 5:1-15a; Romans 12:16-21; and Matthew 8:1-13.

Sin ruins things. It throws things off in the world makes the entire universe off-kilter. This is clear because it was only the one sin in the Garden that brought pain, strife, and death to all creation. Now, we’ve only known what it is to live in a world that is filled with the chaos of sin. But it is important for us to remember that when we sin and when we are sinned against, it is an injustice that brings further chaos and disorder to creation.

When we see sin and injustice, we want to fix it. Since we are made in the image of God, we are like God and want to bring back the order and justice which has been disturbed because of that sin. That is what vengeance is. Vengeance isn’t a bad thing. We’ve gotten so used to vengeance being used in a negative way that we think vengeance is always evil. It can be, but look, God Himself here says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” Throughout the Scriptures, both in the Old and New Testament, we hear that God will execute vengeance on the wicked and restore justice.

When you are sinned against, it can seem like everything in creation is against you – depending on the nature, gravity, and seriousness of the sin. But you are instructed here to not avenge yourself because bringing vengeance is not your job. Instead, you are commanded to leave it to the wrath of God. “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God,” and then Paul uses a very important word – ‘for.’ Here is why you are not to avenge yourself, “for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” Bringing order back to the broken creation is not on you. Vengeance belongs to God.

Christian, you are not to avenge yourself. Yes, you have enemies who sin against you, but you are not to repay their evil with your own evil. By returning evil for evil, you become as evil as the person who sinned against you. Repent. As far as it depends on you, live peaceably with everyone. If you really want to hurt the person who hurt you, care for them. “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink,” doing that will be like heaping burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

On the cross, God poured out His justice and mercy upon all sin – not upon you, but upon Jesus, your Savior. There on the cross, Christ drank the cup of God’s wrath against you. Every ounce of God’s righteous anger against you was placed upon Jesus. Know that when you confess your sins God mercifully forgives you because of Christ. God’s mercy does not negate or cancel His justice. When you confess your sins, God is faithful and just to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all your unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9). For that, God be praised.