Justice and the Last Enemy

Read: Psalm 52:5–7; Romans 12:19–21; 1 Corinthians 15:26
“The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” — 1 Corinthians 15:26

God’s judgment in Psalm 52 tells us that cruelty will not have the final word. The righteous see his justice and fear him. They do not have to appoint themselves the final judge. Romans 12 calls us to leave vengeance with God and continue doing good, even to enemies.

Leaving vengeance with God does not mean ignoring harm. We should tell the truth, protect vulnerable people, and seek appropriate accountability. We can do those things without feeding a private desire to make another person suffer.

Some wounds raise questions that go beyond the punishment of an offender. We can identify the murderer responsible for a terrible act, but a sentence cannot restore the lives that were taken. Other suffering, such as a child’s disease, is part of a creation that groans under corruption. We must not blame the child or the parents for a particular illness. Jesus rejects that easy assumption in John 9:1–3.

Our hope reaches further than a verdict in this age. Christ suffered unjustly, bore his people’s judgment, and rose from the dead. He will judge evil and destroy death itself. Revelation 21:4 promises a day without mourning, pain, or death. We cannot explain every wound, but we can trust the One who promises to make all things new.

Until then, love stays near those who suffer. We can listen, pray, bring a meal, and help with ordinary needs. The promise of resurrection gives us courage to be present while the grief is still real.

Reflect: Where do I need to surrender vengeance to God? Is there a suffering person I can serve with a concrete act of care this week?

Pray: Righteous Father, keep me from cruelty and from indifference. Help me pursue truth and protect those in danger. Sustain the grieving with the hope of Christ’s resurrection and coming renewal. Amen.