Meet the Avenger. The One Who carries out justice for the abused, downtrodden, and abandoned.
He seems to have a real problem with those who fail to honor their marriage vows, or the marriage vows of others.
In fact, I think it’s safe to say He cops a real attitude when someone decides to abandon their wife or husband, along with their children.
It’s a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Avenger.
In case you are wondering, I’m not referring to some fictional superhero, or a group of super-powered men and women who are always spoiling for a fight.
I’m referring to the Lord, God Almighty.
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3 – 4:7 NKJV)
“The Lord is the Avenger of all such…”
All such what? People whose marriages, families, and lives have been destroyed because someone stepped into territory not belonging to them. They coveted someone else’s spouse, took part in defiling the marriage covenant (which God considers to be holy), and have taken advantage of mercy and grace.
People who defraud, or take advantage of, and misuse a friendship to follow unhealthy feelings and inappropriate desires, always seem to use excuses which somehow blame God for their feelings.
Things like, “We are so right for each other.” “God knows what I needed.” “The Lord gave me a true soul mate”. “Besides, after I get what I want, I’ll say I’m sorry and call out for God’s mercy and grace.”
Never mind the verses which contradict that line of reasoning. Forget the fact God hates divorce.
The God Who inspired the passages regarding mercy and grace also inspired Paul to write, “God is the Avenger of such…”
Wife, has your husband run out on you and is treating you like last year’s fertilizer?
Husband, did your wife leave you for someone more “spiritual” than you?
You do NOT need to pray the plagues down on them.
If you have sought to be reconciled, but are continually rejected, you can rest in God.
He has your back.
And while you may not see your family restored (people make their own choices), God will take care of you. He’ll take care of your family, your finances, and your future.
As for your spouse, well, they’ll have a lot of explaining to do when the Avenger begins to exact payment from them.
Yes, it’s a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Avenger.
He’s absolutely adorable as the God of mercy and grace; but as the Avenger…
He’s terrifying.
Jan Grace 