Thirsting for Revenge Is Never Good. Part [16] 04/22/2026 (Morning thought)

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

{G.C pp 28>29] By their actions they had long been saying, “Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.” [Isaiah 30:11.] The leaders of the opposing factions at times united to plunder and torture their wretched victims, and again they fell upon each other’s forces, and slaughtered without mercy. Even the sanctity of the temple could not restrain their horrible ferocity. The worshipers were stricken down before the altar, and the sanctuary was polluted with the bodies of the slain.

Yet in their blind and blasphemous presumption the instigators of this hellish work publicly declared that they had no fear that Jerusalem would be destroyed, for it was God’s own city. To establish their power more firmly, they bribed false prophets to proclaim, even while Roman legions were besieging the temple, that the people were to wait for deliverance from God. To the last, multitudes held fast to the belief that the Most High would interpose for the defeat of their adversaries.

But Israel had spurned the divine protection, and now she had no defense. Unhappy Jerusalem! rent by internal dissensions, the blood of her children slain by one another’s hands crimsoning her streets, while alien armies beat down her fortifications and slew her men of war! All the predictions given by Christ concerning the destruction of Jerusalem were fulfilled to the letter. The Jews experienced the truth of his words of warning, “With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”

James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!

Thirsting for Revenge Is Never Good. Part [15] 04/22/2026 (Evening thought)

James 3: 14 But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

[ The Great Controversy pp 88] Then God withdrew his protection from them, and removed his restraining power from Satan and his angels. And the nation was left to the control of the leader she had chosen. Her children had spurned the grace of Christ which would have enabled them to subdue their evil impulses, and now these became the conquerors. Satan aroused the fiercest and the most debased passions of the soul.

Men did not reason; they were beyond reason, controlled by impulse, and blind rage. They became Satanic in their cruelty. There was no safety anywhere. The rulers of the people had no power to rule themselves. Uncontrolled passions made them tyrants. The fear of God no longer disturbed them. Satan was at the head of the nation and the highest civil and religious authorities were under his sway.

 Friends and kindred betrayed one another. Parents slew their children, and children their parents. The rulers of the people had no power to rule themselves. Uncontrolled passions made them tyrants. The Jews had accepted false testimony to condemn the innocent Son of God. Now false accusations made their own lives uncertain. Now their desire was granted. The fear of God no longer disturbed them.

James 3:16 For where envying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!