One of my all-time favorite books is The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. If you’ve seen the most recent movie adaptation (2002, Jim Caviezel/Guy Pearce) you missed out on the intention of Dumas.
The book is about revenge and may even be the most powerful revenge story of all time. It was published in 1844 and is still a big seller. Why? People can’t get enough of revenge.
In the movie, a less than admirable screenwriter took the liberty to make some big changes. Chief among the changes is the personal conviction of the main character, Edmond Dantes. In the book, he is betrayed, which leads to his being framed, wrongfully convicted and imprisoned. He loses everything. While in prison, he is motivated by revenge and here is where the movie adaptation takes the greatest liberty. In the movie, Edmond loses his faith in God. In the book, Edmond views himself as God’s instrument of justice. Either way, it’s messed up!
Despite the clear teaching regarding revenge in the Bible, people, even God’s own, still love stories of revenge. The fact that we are a people who desire revenge when we or others are wronged is one of the greatest indictments of the wicked state of the human heart.
Paul gives us the best summation of the Bible’s teaching regarding revenge in Romans 12:17,19:
17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men… 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
It’s important to understand that Paul is referring to personal relationships and not civil law. Paul is saying that it is wrong for me, as an individual, to seek revenge. It is not wrong, however, for civil law to exact punishment for wrongdoing. Romans 13:1,4:
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities…But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.
To not take person revenge has always been an extreme teaching. It goes completely against our first instinct when our personal rights have been violated in any way.
This teaching causes me to examine my own wretched heart and, understanding my desperate situation, cry out to Jesus with the same words of His disciples in Matthew 19:25:
“Then who can be saved?” and hear Jesus reply to me, just as He replied to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
As we continue our study of the corrective teachings of Jesus, may God work miracles in our hearts and relieve us of all of our desire to seek personal vengeance.
You are always on my heart and mind!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
