March 31

Written by Bill Grandi on March 31st, 2021

We say it in various ways:

  • “Turn about is fair play.”
  • “Don’t worry. They’ll get theirs.”
  • “What goes around comes around.”
  • “It’ll come back to bite them.”

I hate to say it, but sometimes we say those statements with a glint in the eye. An upturned lip hinting at a smile. We sorta like it when someone gets what is coming to them.

It plays itself out in different scenarios. A harsh teacher/coach who finds his students/athletes refusing to perform anymore. The ruler whose asinine laws or decrees make it difficult for people to function or do their job. A leaders who is harsh. An investor who bilks people out of their money. “They’ll get theirs,” we say.

And we want to be judge, jury and executioner. We want to be the one who makes people pay.

In the OT there is a man named Abimelech. He is an illegitimate son of Gideon.  He convinces the people to put him in charge, to make him their one ruler.  The people agree to do that and he then goes out and kills all 70 of Gideon’s sons. But he didn’t stop there. He became an insufferable, arrogant, mad dictator. That is until a woman dropped a stone on his head from atop a tower. He had hoarded the people into the tower with the sole goal of executing them by setting a fire. Abimelech was a cruel tyrant. We see them everywhere. Passing laws that don’t benefit people, only themselves. Running roughshod over citizens to attain their agenda. The consolation? Sooner or later the roof will cave in, the stone will fall. They will get theirs. Justice will be done. In this life or the next.

“Father, vengeance is yours. And while I may not understand all that is happening, I must trust in Your strong hand.”

 

6 Comments so far ↓

  1. With all that happened with the husband of my youth, people would say those kinds of things to me – as a way to comfort me, I suppose. ??? But, I could not think that way. A Spiritual Law is that we reap what we sow. There is no getting around that. But, I could never wish that upon him. For he sowed such ugliness.

    Every month going to court for four years, I would walk in love toward Joe and respect toward his lawyer. I would not allow bitterness or even offense in my heart.

    In all those years, not once did it show that the Love of Christ was seen in me. Until the very end when my husband’s attorney (my “enemy” so to speak) came through for me, offering me what my attorney said I would NEVER get. Joe’s attorney’s words were this, “This is NOT coming from your husband, it is coming from me.” Whoa!

    A few minutes later, Vess and I shook hands across the table and I said this to him, “Vess, we have spent every month together for four years. I’m actually going to miss you.” His response? “Me too, Mrs. Ronzino.” I looked at Joe and he sat with his back toward me. I looked at my attorney and his mouth was open. I don’t think he believed what he just witnessed actually happened.

    My attorney did NOT come through for me, but Joe’s did. To this day, every now and then his attorney and I say hello to each other on FB. Once, he even asked me to pray for him.

    I have reaped what I sowed. Month after month, year after year, I sowed respect and kindness and I reaped it back – all to the Glory of God and the confoundment of my attorney. What has Joe reaped? Well, that’s between him and God.

    I did a lot of dying to self in those four years of court. Gradually, I decreased so Jesus could increase in me. In hindsight, as traumatizing as all those four years were due to Joe’s behavior, they were the best years of my life. For Abba proved Himself over and over and over to me.

    I share this only to give Abba Glory and to encourage anyone who may need to be encouraged.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      WOW Diane! So much to say. But words fail me. I respect your attitude and your desire to see the love of Jesus come out in you. The lawyer’s response to you and even ongoing even now shows you did what you set out to do: show Jesus. It is tough to go through stuff but to see Jesus glorified is what it is all about. Thanks for the testimony.

  2. Ryan S. says:

    It is hard to sit back and watch people get away with things that they shouldn’t and not suffer the consequences. But in the end, as Diane shows and Bill, you state… this is for God to work out, not me.
    May He use those circumstances to show Jesus to those who need to see Him.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      It is hard Ryan. I hope I didn’t give off the idea it wasn’t. i struggle occasionally with feeling “used” and “abused” by those who throw shade on the system or try to take advantage of it or me. But God will work it out even though I might not understand.

  3. Yes, we see the wickedness in this present age, and we know that humans continue to sin. I do believe those who do evil will reap what they sow, but their ultimate end isn’t up to us.
    Blessings, Bill!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      That is absolutely true Martha. The real Judge will decide. I can only say He won’t go against His Word.