“Revenge to Mercy”

Introduction:  Revenge story line in The Iliad, Hamlet, The count of Monte Cristo, True Grit, and Spider Man 3

What entitles us to revenge?  The demands of an eye for eye justice.

Who is entitled to revenge?  The aggrieved.  A cycle of retribution begins.

I.        David’s Story Line Ending, 1 Kings 2:1-9

A.     As David prepares to die, he gives a charge to his successor and son, Solomon

1.      (v2-3) “Be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires.”

2.      “…so that you may prosper in all you do…and that the Lord may keep his promise to m…”

B.     ALSO, take care of my unfinished business.  Kill my enemies Joab and Shimei

II.       Jesus’ Story Line, Matthew 5:38-48

A.     (v38) “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’”

1.      (v39) “But I tell you…If someone strikes you on the right cheek…”

2.      (v40) “If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic…”

3.      (v41) “If someone forces you to go one mile…”

B.     (v44) “I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”

1.      This is what it means to be peacemakers, or children of the Father [Compare v45 and 5:9]

2.      (v46) “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?”

3.      Romans 5:8, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

III.      Walking Like Jesus, 1 Peter 2:21-25 and Ephesians 4:32-5:2

A.     (v23) “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered he made no threats.”

1.      “Instead he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” [Proverbs 20:22]

2.      (v21) “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps…”

B.     (v32) “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ…”

1.      (v1) “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love...”

2.      (v2) “…just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us…”

Conclusion:   “Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a  monster.  And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”  Nietzsche

What will it be for us?  Romans 12:21 and the abyss or Matthew 5:7?