2 Peter 2:9 If this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.

We get all worked up over assorted injustices, but Peter reminds us that God is more than able to deal with those who do evil, just as He is able to guide, protect, and rescue us if our hearts are turned to Him. Paul quoted Deuteronomy on this subject when he reminded us not to try to settle scores on our own, but rather trust God. (Romans 12:19) This is not to say that we aren’t to work toward social justice, or that governments aren’t to enforce just laws, but it is to say that we aren’t to think anyone ever “gets away with” anything that is apart from God’s righteousness. The lawman in Arizona who wrote, “Remanded to a higher court” on the report of a murderer who was found dead of dehydration in the desert had the right idea. Any punishment man could mete out is insignificant compared to God’s judgment! At the same time, we must remember the other half of this verse, and that is that God is more than able to take care of those who are His. The NIV uses “trials,” while the Japanese uses “temptations,” but trials are at least a temptation not to trust God, and temptations can be very trying. The point is, trusting God is the right answer regardless of the situation we find ourselves in, and whoever else it might involve.

This is a good reminder for me, because I can get pretty worked up over reports of injustice and the like. I am to strive for God’s righteousness in my own life and exercise my rights as a citizen of a democracy to seek righteous leaders of all sorts, but I must remember that God is still God, regardless of what is going on. The past couple of years have seemed disastrous for America, but the situation has waked up average citizens to a degree that is seldom seen, and God intended it for good all along. I am to be faithful to pray for those in leadership (1 Timothy 2:1-4), and cast my vote for those who seek God, but I am to trust God with the result, on every level. This is at least easy to understand on the political level, but when it comes down to the Church, emotions can get even higher, because it’s my family that’s being wronged! However, that’s exactly the scenario Peter is addressing here, so I must trust God that He will prepare the Bride of Christ to indeed be spotless on Her wedding day. (Ephesians 5:25-27, Revelation 19:7-8) Again, the key is personal righteousness, while letting God be God.

Father, thank You for this reminder this morning. Thank You for being so much wiser than all of mankind put together. Help me remember that You laugh at our foolishness, and that it doesn’t stop You in any way. Help me be fully sensitive and responsive to You so that I may be useful and not discarded. May my constant desire be that Your Name be hallowed, Your kingdom come, and Your will be done, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!