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Four calling birds (the 4 Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke & John)Thursday, December 28, 2000
Revenge is not always so murderous or bloody. Harboring a grudge is far more common. Irreparably harmed by another and caught in the web of my own unrequited anger, I become the bitter carrier of unforgiveness. It is toxic and contagious, and affects those around me far beyond the one who originally broke my trust. And it affects me the most of all. In None of These Diseases," Dr. S.I. McMillen writes of the effects of revenge and bitterness on the one who hates: "We may try to hide our resentments, but soon they will also be etched into our eyes and facial muscles as permanent reflections of our inner feelings...When the waiter serves me Porterhouse steak, it might as well be stale bread and water. My teeth chew the food, and I swallow it, but the man I hate will not permit me to enjoy the taste." In Romans 12, Paul writes, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Forgiveness is the only effective way we can deal with our enemies without destroying ourselves. The baby Herod failed to kill would soon bring that message to the world through his words, his life, his death and resurrection. The four gospels are his story. Jesus, your light shines brightly into my life, and I see the places I hold others hostage to my unforgiveness. Open my eyes to the destruction this causes in myself and in others. Forgive me for my unforgiveness. Give me the courage to release the prisoners and make amends to those I have hurt or tried to hurt in my bitterness. Thank you, Lord. |
Revenge takes many forms. Herod was one in a long line of Hebrew kings whose sociopathic self-centeredness resulted in many innocent deaths. His fear of the newborn "king of the Jews" invaded and destroyed family after family. Those mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters who were left after the deaths of their babies did not have the opportunity to look into the eyes of Herod the King. But Herod could not be protected from them at night, in his bed, alone. His dreams were no doubt punctuated by the terrified wailing of his victims. The horrible revenge he exacted from these people did not wipe out his pain or even ease his anger. In destroying others, Herod destroyed himself.