"They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap." Ps. 69:21-22
This verse, written by David, is a prophecy of the crucifixion of Christ. Matthew 27:34 describes how they gave Jesus vinegar to drink mingled with gall as He hung on the cross. There are several other verses in Psalm 69 that indicate a prophetical look at the sacrifice of our Lord.
What struck me as I read this Psalm today is the difference between the response of David to the vinegar and gall, and the response of Christ to the same treatment.
David wants vengeance. In fact he goes into great detail in the next few verses describing how bad he wants their punishment to be. But Jesus, Who knew exactly what the song said, went off script, and said this about those who treated Him so badly: "Then said Jesus, Father forgive them; for they know not what they do...." Luke 23:34.
When we are treated badly we, like David, want God to sweep in and balance the books. But we are called to a different response. Our response should be one of mercy and forgiveness. This kind of attitude is only found in the solitary battle in the garden of Gethsemane. It does not come easy. It may require blood sweat and tears. It will, however, produce the fruit of the Spirit.
...And is vengeance really what we want? Are we looking for fairness? What about the times we have done wrong to others? Do we want God to balance those books?

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