Reading
SAA Notes
The second story is about another Levite and his common-law wife. They have relationship problems and she runs home to father. What happens to her is an indescribable horror – due to the behaviour of her husband as well as that of the men of Benjamin.
SJA Notes
* Holy God, You are our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way.
“No, my brothers, do not act so wickedly; since this man has come into my house, do not do this vile thing.”
Today’s passage gives us clear insight into what happens when rejection of God leads to doing what is right in our own eyes.
Sin is not fun.
Sin does not bring about good for society, for individuals.
There is no bright side to sin.
We read here of such horror, and yet this is the truth of what happens when we turn away from God.
Our hearts go after our own desires, and we seek to destroy what is good and upright, what the Lord has set down as how to live under His rule.
No one in this story shows merit. Every person is doing what is right in their own eyes.
This passage is a powerful reminder for us – we need Jesus!
Only Jesus can break the grip of sin. Only Jesus can make our hearts new again!
* Dear God,
This passage is a very hard read. Please open our hearts to understand what You want us to learn and know.
Thank You for Jesus, who redeems us from our sin and rescues us from its grip.
Amen.