“I the LORD am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.”
(Isaiah 49:26)
Our culture is captivated by heroes. Nearly every story, every film, centers around a figure who fights for justice, overcomes evil, and delivers the weak from harm. This is evident in the global success of movies like Avengers: Endgame, which became the highest-grossing film of all time, proving just how deeply the human heart longs for a champion.
Yet no earthly hero—whether real or imagined—can match the infinite, redeeming power of God, “the mighty one of Jacob” (Gen. 49:24; Isa. 49:26). He alone is the Hero of His people, our Redeemer, our Savior, and yes, even our Avenger. While human heroes may falter, God is the unchanging Defender of His children, the One who upholds justice and fights for those who belong to Him.
When we are wronged, our natural instinct is often to strike back. When we suffer injustice, our hearts cry for retribution. But God commands us to leave vengeance in His hands: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19). He is the perfect Judge, and He will avenge His people, for He considers their suffering as His own (Zech. 2:8). When the widow in Christ’s parable cried out for justice, He assured us that God will “avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him” (Luke 18:7-8).
Consider King David, who witnessed his ambassadors humiliated—having their beards cut and garments torn (2 Sam. 10:4-5). In response, he exacted severe judgment against those who had dishonored his men (2 Sam. 12:31). If an earthly king takes vengeance for such a slight, how much more will the eternal King act on behalf of those who bear His name?
Andrew Gray observed, “If anyone harms the names of God’s saints, or robs them of their right, God will be blunt in revenging such wrongs” (Ps. 10:13-14; 1 Sam. 15:2-3).[1] Christ, as the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls, defends His people. He is the Commander of His army, the Head of His church, and the ultimate Avenger of those who come against His own with wicked intent. He loves, protects, and upholds His people with His mighty hand.
Scripture speaks clearly of His avenging power: Even the captives of the mighty man will be taken away, and the prey of the tyrant will be rescued; for I will contend with the one who contends with you, and I will save your sons. I will feed your oppressors with their own flesh, and they will become drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine; and all flesh will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob, (Isa. 49:25-26).
Let us take heart: our God is not distant or passive. He fights for us, delivering us from our enemies, whether seen or unseen. Even when the enemy seems to gain ground, his defeat is already assured. Christ is our victorious King, our Avenger, and our Redeemer.
Contemplations:
- Trusting God to Fight for Me. You avenge my enemies, Lord, and You do so with the two-edged sword of Your Word. Even Jesus Himself, when confronting Satan in the wilderness, wielded the sharp power of Scripture to defeat him. Likewise, as long as I hide Your Word in my heart, Your Spirit will strengthen me to stand firm against the enemy’s attacks. But I must actively participate in this battle—I cannot sit on the sidelines. Strengthen me, Lord, to be diligent in studying and meditating on Your Word so that I may walk in victory.
- Surrendering My Desire for Revenge. Father, You have promised to be my Avenger when I am wronged, but my sinful nature resists leaving justice in Your hands. When someone speaks falsely about me or wounds me, my first instinct is to defend myself or retaliate. Teach me to be slow to anger, to trust You in every injustice, and to place my desire for retribution at Your feet. Let me not take matters into my own hands, but rest in the assurance that You will make all things right in Your perfect time.
- Responding Like Christ. Jesus, You have shown me how to speak with grace even when I am wronged. Yet, I struggle to follow Your example. I know the right words to say, but do I say them? I know the right way to respond, but do I choose it? Lord, help me live out this truth. You have given me everything I need to love my enemies and bless those who curse me. Empower me by Your Spirit to reflect Your love, so that even those who seek to harm me might see Your grace and come to know You as their Redeemer.
- Finding Comfort in Christ’s Sovereignty. Your name is my refuge, Lord. You are not only my Savior, but my Master and my King. You reign over all things, upholding the universe by the word of Your power. No injustice escapes Your sight, no enemy stands beyond Your reach. When the world seems chaotic and evil appears to triumph, remind me that You are sovereign. You will protect, You will avenge, and You will reign in justice forever. Let this truth steady my heart and embolden my faith, that I may rest in the power of Your grace and serve You with reverence and trust.
Prayer:
O Lord, my Redeemer and my Defender, I lift my voice in praise to You! You alone are my refuge, my stronghold, and my shield. You are the Mighty One of Jacob, the Savior of Your people, the righteous Judge who will make all things right. I take comfort in Your strength, knowing that no enemy can stand before You.
Yet, Lord, I confess my struggle to trust You fully in times of injustice. When I am wronged, my heart burns with the desire to defend myself, to repay evil for evil, to take matters into my own hands. But You have commanded me to leave vengeance to You, for You alone judge with perfect wisdom. Forgive me for my impatience, for my failure to trust in Your justice, and for the pride that seeks to be my own avenger. Teach me to rest in Your promises, to surrender my grievances at Your feet, and to walk in the humility of Christ.
I thank You, Father, that I do not fight alone. You have given me the sword of Your Word, the power of Your Spirit, and the example of my Savior. Christ did not revile when He was reviled. He did not strike back when He was struck. He entrusted Himself to the One who judges righteously. Help me to do the same. Let me love my enemies, bless those who persecute me, and reflect the grace I have received.
Now, Lord, I ask that You increase my faith. Let me not fear the schemes of the enemy, for You are greater. Let me not be discouraged by injustice, for You will set all things right. Let me not lose heart in the face of opposition, for You are my Defender. Strengthen me to stand firm, to trust in Your providence, and to glorify You in all things.
O Lord, You are my Savior and my Avenger. May my heart rest in Your justice, my soul rejoice in Your salvation, and my lips proclaim Your mighty name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Further References for Isaiah 49:26:
Rev. 16:6; Isa 60:16; Ezek. 39:7; Job 19:25; Ps. 132:2; Isa 44:23.
[1] Andrew Gray, A Door Opening to Everlasting Life, (Crossville, TN: Puritan Publications, 2012) eBook.
