Passage Read: Judges 6-9
Meditation Verses: 9:56-57
Thought
While it is good to desire the repentance of those who do evil, it is also true that the Lord delights in justice. Though it was clear that Abimelech had done wrong, Jotham didn't directly condemn him, but said, "If you have dealt with Gideon's sons with truth and integrity, then.... But if not, then...." His curse was conditioned on the Lord's judgment; he didn't pass judgment, though it was pretty clear what Abimelech had done! And the Lord acted on behalf of Gideon and His family and brought justice for them through the discontent and arrogance of Abimelech and the people of Shechem.
Application
If the men of this age and this land will not execute justice on those who do evil, it is not wrong for God's people to cry out to Him for justice. In fact, that it is the safest route to seek justice, because God knows the plans He has for all men, whether to save or to leave to their sins. God did listen to Jotham and repaid Abimelech and the men of Shechem for killing Gideon's seventy sons. I can likewise ask God to repay those who do great evil, when the justice of men is lacking or non-existent. Compassion and justice are not at odds, otherwise God could not judge anyone.