“For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”
Mark 14:21
I may not justify unholy means because they bring about what I might consider to be God’s ultimate ends. Even when God’s ordained ends are accomplished, it may be through, and by the hands of wicked men (Acts 2:23). Judas fulfilled God’s end for the Son of Man and it would have been better for him had he never been born.
I must make sure that my means and efforts, even if they are oriented toward God’s ends, are holy in themselves. Revenge falls into this category. Should I ever be terribly grieved as the result of another’s sin I expect I would desire to see that person punished. And God will always vindicate justice; the punishment of sinners is a part of His ultimate righteousness. But woe to me, if I were to take matters into my own hands. God says, “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). God will vindicate, but that vindication very well may be the vindication that was purchased by the blood of Christ. God’s wrath may result in the punishment of the wicked or it may have been expunged in Christ’s death. Either way it is for God to determine. Those vessels through which God may choose to punish the wicked (such as governments) may very well be themselves the objects of wrath for their own sins.
To make this truth more practical for my daily life I should consider the means I employ as I pursue God’s purposes. Parenting comes to mind. I am called to teach, correct, and discipline my children to bring about their obedience, resulting in their true love for God. When I respond to them with correction, rebuke or punishment I must always remember that though I may be acting with the right goal in mind – my actual means (words, demeanor, attitude, actions, etc.) must also be holy in themselves. They must be self-controlled, loving, peaceable, patient, humble, and Christ-centered. A harsh word, a quick rebuke, an outburst of anger is never justified because it has the end of bringing about obedience as its defense.
Lord Jesus, make me careful in all my ways. Help me to pursue holiness in my ways and in my ends. Teach me God-centered Christ exalting means while deepening a God oriented desire to accomplish your ends. I need you Jesus. Amen.
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