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. Romans 12:19

This lesson diverges from the Olivet Discourse. The scope of the Olivet Discourse was laid out by the disciples’ questions at the beginning of Matthew 24. “When will these things be [the destruction of the temple) and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Jesus answers the question of what believers should be looking for. He doesn’t give information about what to expect if you are not a believer. But so that we get the fuller picture we are going to look at an event called the Day of the Lord, an event that may occur just as the Rapture/Resurrection is completed.

The Day of the Lord is more than a 24 hour day. It is a season during which the Lord will pour out his wrath on the antichrist and break his power. The Day of the Lord is spoken of often in the Old Testament and is also called the day of his vengeance.

An important distinction needs to be made between the great tribulation and the Day of the Lord. The great tribulation is the wrath of the antichrist poured out on Israel and believers in Jesus. The Day of the Lord begins when believers are removed from the earth. Jesus takes the stage and perfectly executes his judgment on the antichrist and his followers.

Paul tells us that this day will not overtake believers like a thief in the night because we are of the day and we have not been destined for wrath.

I Thessalonians 5:1-11

Reflect
• How does it feel to learn that the Lord will bring justice for all the wrongs that have been committed against believers and that He will do this perfectly?

• Why do you think the Lord commands us not to take revenge for the wrongs that we have received?

• II Peter 3:8-9 reminds us that the Lord is not slow about His promises, He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance. Why do you think it is important to remember this when Peter is talking about the Day of the Lord?

Respond
Write out a prayer to the Lord in response to the truth that He will avenge for the wrongs done to you — and that your job is to bless and curse not! Thank Him that you are secure because He is the One who holds you in the palm of His hand.

Read
Revelation 19-20
Matthew 25:31-46