"Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do.
I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
Romans 12:19
poetic justice. n. The rewarding of virtue and the punishment of vice, often in an especially appropriate or ironic manner. poetic justice. n. fitting retribution ...just deserts
"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,
who have been called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28
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| Anjelica Huston as the stepmother in "Ever After." |
The movie "Ever After" retells the Cinderella story and as always, it's fun to watch the stepmother pay for her treachery against her stepdaughter, named Danielle in this version. When the King and Queen find out how evil and manipulative Stepmom has been, they condemn her to be stripped of her titles and sent to the Americas unless someone will speak in her behalf. That's when Danielle steps forward as the new princess with her prince and her stepmother, shocked at this reversal of fortunes, must bow to her. Danielle addresses the King and Queen: "Your majesties, all I ask is that you show her the same courtesy she has shown me all these years." Ahhhh, poetic justice is about to be served up in hefty portions as the stepmother must adjust to her new life in the royal laundry. The time fits the crime and all is right in the world at last.
Happy endings include both rewards for the virtuous and punishment for the villain. We applaud when the shoe fits and Cinderella is whisked away by her handsome prince and our hope is renewed that our own suffering and work will one day draw a shipload of blessings to dock in our own harbors. It's equally satisfying to see lazy, conniving, evil and selfishly hateful people receive their just deserts. Like me, you've probably stayed tuned in to at least one story line just to see the villain get what would surely come. Without this resolution, we're unsettled, indignant and dissatisfied.
We want our enemies to pay dearly for their sins against us while begging for a "Get Out of Jail Free" card for our own sins against others, but justice is double-edged. When we wish "justice" on our enemies we need to imagine how the same sword would feel slicing and dicing our own sins. Our humanity distorts our sense of who deserves what, so God says, "Leave it to Me. I'm the only One who knows whether mercy or justice best suits My purpose of bringing people to Myself. I am the only Poet of perfect, perfecting justice."
Lord, help us not waste time planning revenge or wanting to see others pay for their sins against us. Help us remember You love them and are cutting away at what makes them hurt others. Fill us with unconditional love for all Your children and help us pray for those who persecute and show kindness to those who treat us unkindly. May we strive to be like You in every way but one: executing judgment.
In the Name of Jesus Who showed mercy and left judgment in Your Hands
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