The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
Throughout the history of the world, righteous men have always struggled to remain free from the hateful, murderous intent of the wicked. When God received Abel’s sacrifice, it was obvious to Cain that Abel was in a right relationship with God and he was not. A dark cloud settled over Cain. A frightful, uncontrollable rage dominated his heart, pressing him to commit the murderous act.
For a while, wicked men are restrained by social customs, political constitutions and systems, or even by their own consciences. But given enough power and time, they will come after the righteous. Why should the raging mobs of Gaul torment the innocent Blandina whose only crime was to repeat the phrase, “I am a Christian,” over and over again? Why did they delight in ripping her flesh apart until her body was just one continuous wound? These early persecutors of Christians were unspeakably vicious. But then again, for what crime did the Romans and Jews come after Jesus Christ of Nazareth? For raising the dead, healing the lame, and restoring sight to the blind?
Later again in church history, when the powers of centralized, modern nation-states enabled persecution against men and women of deepest piety, these trials came like a flood. It was the year 1685 when the two Margarets were bound to stakes on the banks of the Blednoch Burn to await a slow and torturous death by the ocean tides. Margaret MacLachlan was a widow of seventy years old, and Margaret Wilson was a farmer’s daughter of only eighteen. Their crime was worshiping God in the field, and they were arrested and dragged into court. Their prosecutor was Grierson of Lagg, known to be most savage in his persecution of the Covenanters. At the trial, he cursed at the two Christian ladies, referring to them several times as female dogs. Then he sentenced them to death by drowning. The elder Margaret died singing the words of Psalm 25, and the younger died while she prayed for repentance, forgiveness, and salvation for her enemies. Whether initiated by pagans or apostates, the capacity for cruelty in the human heart is almost impossible to comprehend. This blind, irrational rage that mounts in the hearts of wicked men against the righteous, even against innocent women and children, can only be explained by a devilish hatred against a righteous and holy God. It is the beastly, demonic rage referred to in the book of Revelation (Rev. 13:7).
Occasionally, there will be those with a sense of justice who will intervene and employ their influence, even risking their lives to save the people of God. This was true in the case of leaders like Nicodemus (John 7:45ff.), Esther (Est. 7:1–6), and Gamaliel (Acts 5:35ff.). The Good Samaritan intervened for the life of the poor man left for dead by bandits on the road (Luke 10:25–37). As other men run to shed blood, there are still some who retain a sense of justice, an appreciation for the value of human life, and a willingness to give their lives for others if necessary. When the masses rush to support illegitimate wars, torture, and tyranny, may God’s people retain this sense of justice as defined by God’s Word.
1. Name several situations in history where wicked men turned against the righteous.
2. Why do these men go after the righteous with such violent hatred?
3. Is there still hope for justice in these situations? Give examples of some who intervened to save the innocent in such horrible times.