Validation, Vindication, and Vengeance in Our Walk with God
Scripture: Genesis 50:19-20“But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.’” (ESV)
Introduction: In our walk with God, we often face times of doubt, hardship, and even unjust treatment by others. We may feel overlooked, persecuted, or betrayed. But throughout Scripture, we see that God is faithful to validate, vindicate, and execute vengeance on behalf of His people. Just as He did with Joseph, He will do the same for us. Let’s explore how God brings these three elements—validation, vindication, and vengeance—into our lives to strengthen our trust in Him and reveal His justice and love.
1. Validation: God Affirms Our Identity in Him
The first element we need is validation—God’s affirmation of our worth and His call on our lives, especially when we’re uncertain or doubting. Joseph’s story in Genesis is a beautiful example of how God validated him, even when he was ridiculed by his brothers and misunderstood by others.
Scripture: Genesis 37:5-11“Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. He said to them, ‘Hear this dream that I have dreamed: behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright, and behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.’” (ESV)
Joseph's dreams were a glimpse of God's purpose for his life, but instead of receiving encouragement, his brothers mocked and despised him. Joseph was young and vulnerable, but God’s calling on his life was sure. In moments of doubt, God continued to affirm His purpose, even when Joseph faced rejection.
Reflection Question:
Are you feeling uncertain or undervalued in your current season? Have you heard God's call but been discouraged by the opinions or actions of others?
Joseph’s validation didn’t come from his circumstances, nor from his brothers’ approval. It came directly from God, who had a sovereign plan. Joseph might have questioned his purpose in the pit and in slavery, but God was working behind the scenes to prepare him for greater things. The same is true for you—God validates you as His beloved child and as one who has a purpose in His Kingdom.
Additional Scripture:
Psalm 139:13-14 – "For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
Ephesians 2:10 – "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
2. Vindication: God Clears Our Name
Vindication is God's act of justifying and revealing the truth about us, especially when we have been wrongfully accused or mistreated. Joseph’s story of being sold into slavery by his brothers and falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife is a powerful testimony of how God eventually brought the truth to light.
Scripture: Genesis 41:14-16“Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they quickly brought him out of the pit. And when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came in before Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.’ Joseph answered Pharaoh, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.’” (ESV)
Joseph was vindicated when God exalted him from the prison to the palace. The dreams his brothers mocked came to fruition, and he stood before them, not in bitterness, but in humility, knowing that God’s hand had been on him all along. Joseph could now see that the suffering he endured wasn’t pointless—it was part of God’s larger plan for his life and for the saving of many people.
Reflection Question:
Have you ever felt unjustly persecuted or misunderstood? How can you trust God to reveal the truth in His perfect timing?
The Bible assures us that God sees every wrong and will make it right. Joseph’s vindication didn’t happen immediately, but when it did, it was clear to all. Our vindication will come when God sees fit—sometimes in ways we don't expect. He is our advocate, and in the end, the truth will shine forth.
Additional Scripture:
Romans 8:33-34 – “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”
Psalm 35:24 – “Vindicate me, O Lord, my God, according to Your righteousness, and let them not rejoice over me.”
3. Vengeance: God Will Repay
Finally, God promises to take vengeance on those who oppose His people, especially those who wrong us intentionally and refuse to repent. This truth is sobering, but it is also liberating because it means we don't have to carry the weight of judgment on our shoulders. God will handle it, in His way and in His time.
Scripture: Romans 12:19“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” (ESV)
Jesus also warns that those who cause His "little ones" to stumble will face severe judgment. This is a stark reminder that God’s justice is real and will be executed against those who harm His children.
Scripture: Matthew 18:6“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (ESV)
Joseph could have easily sought revenge against his brothers after he became powerful, but he chose forgiveness, knowing that God had the ultimate authority to deal with their wrongdoing. When we are wronged, we must remember that vengeance belongs to God and trust that He will right every wrong in His time.
Reflection Question:
Is there anyone you are holding onto bitterness or unforgiveness towards? How can you release that to God and trust Him to deal with the injustice?
Closing Thoughts: God is faithful to validate, vindicate, and execute vengeance on behalf of His people. When we feel uncertain, He affirms us as His own. When we are persecuted or unjustly treated, He will bring the truth to light in His perfect timing. And when we are wronged, we can rest in the assurance that vengeance belongs to God, and He will deal with it according to His justice and mercy.
Like Joseph, we may face times of trial and rejection, but we can trust that God will use those moments to strengthen our faith, fulfill His promises, and bring glory to His name. Keep pressing forward, knowing that God sees, God knows, and God will act on your behalf.
Prayer:Lord, thank You for validating me as Your child and for affirming my purpose in You. When I face rejection or uncertainty, remind me of Your love and the calling You’ve placed on my life. Thank You for Your promise to vindicate me when I’ve been unjustly treated and to bring the truth to light in due season. And, Lord, I release any need for vengeance into Your hands, trusting that You will deal with all wrongdoing in Your perfect justice. Help me to walk in humility and forgiveness, knowing that You are faithful to defend and protect me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Additional Scriptures for Reflection:
Isaiah 54:17 – “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment.”
2 Thessalonians 1:6 – "God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you..."
