The Bible Doesn't Make Sense Without Jesus
We are commanded NOT to repay evil for evil. Peter wrote:
1 Peter 3:9 (ESV) Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
In that case, we have a clear contradiction in the Psalms:
Psalm 41:8–10 (ESV) 8 They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies.” 9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. 10 But you, O Lord, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them!
Now, of course the Psalmist is a human writing scripture from a human's perspective of feeling betrayed by a close friend. He wants to repay. We all do when friends turn against us. But this verse becomes clear when you realize that Jesus quoted verse 9 at the last supper in reference to Judas:
John 13:18 (ESV) I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’
The Bible doesn't make sense until you realize how it all points to Jesus. He is the only one who is able to repay the evil done to Him. He is the only one because He is God the Son perfect in judgment and righteousness. Man, left to himself will take vengeance beyond the bounds. Consider Lamech in Genesis 4 who vows to repay a man 77 times for someone who strikes him (Genesis 4:23-24). Jesus reverses that curse for us and through His forgiveness of our sins we are empowered to forgive 77 times instead of taking vengeance.
Psalm 41 is the Lord's voice reminding us that He will one day execute perfect judgment on all who do evil. He will do this because He is risen up, He is exalted. He is LORD.
1 Peter 3:9 (ESV) Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
In that case, we have a clear contradiction in the Psalms:
Psalm 41:8–10 (ESV) 8 They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies.” 9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. 10 But you, O Lord, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them!
Now, of course the Psalmist is a human writing scripture from a human's perspective of feeling betrayed by a close friend. He wants to repay. We all do when friends turn against us. But this verse becomes clear when you realize that Jesus quoted verse 9 at the last supper in reference to Judas:
John 13:18 (ESV) I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’
The Bible doesn't make sense until you realize how it all points to Jesus. He is the only one who is able to repay the evil done to Him. He is the only one because He is God the Son perfect in judgment and righteousness. Man, left to himself will take vengeance beyond the bounds. Consider Lamech in Genesis 4 who vows to repay a man 77 times for someone who strikes him (Genesis 4:23-24). Jesus reverses that curse for us and through His forgiveness of our sins we are empowered to forgive 77 times instead of taking vengeance.
Psalm 41 is the Lord's voice reminding us that He will one day execute perfect judgment on all who do evil. He will do this because He is risen up, He is exalted. He is LORD.
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