I don’t watch the news – not even Fox news. Why? Because they show every gory detail. It burns the image on your brain.
I don’t watch movies with violence or read horror stories – except in the Bible. And the chapter I dread reading is Judges 19. Like the people in verse 30, I ask, “How could this happen?”
* * * * * * *
They did whatever they wanted.
Judges 17:6, “In those days there was no king in Israel. People did whatever they felt like doing.” The Message
They took whatever they wanted.
Judges 18:24, “Micah said, ‘You took my god, the one I made, and you took my priest. And you marched off? What do I have left? How can you now say, “What’s the matter?” ‘ ” The Message
They did not acknowledge their sin.
Judges 18:25, “But the Danites answered, ‘Don’t yell at us.’ …” The Message
The victim did not get justice.
Judges 18:26, “…Micah saw that he didn’t stand a chance….” The Message
They killed those unable to protect themselves.
Judges 18:27, “…they arrived at Laish, that city of quiet and unsuspecting people. They massacred the people and burned down the city.” The Message
They kept other’s property for their private use.
Judges 18:31, “…they kept for their private use the god-figure that Micah had made.” The Message
They ignored their marriage vows.
Judges 19:2, “…But she quarreled with him and left, returning to her father’s house…” The Message
(The New International Version says she was unfaithful to him.)
They quit early instead of doing an honest day’s work.
Judges 19:9, “Look, the day’s almost gone…enjoy yourself. Tomorrow you can…” The Message
(Contrast that to this verse.)
Judges 19:16, “Then late in the evening, an old man came in from his day’s work in the fields.” The Message
They ignored the homeless.
Judges 19:15, “The Levite went and sat down in the town square, but no one invited them in to spend the night.” The Message
They viewed everyone as a sex object.
Judges 19:22, “…We want to have sex with him.” The Message
They didn’t shelter and protect their women. They saved themselves.
Judges 19:24, “Look, my virgin daughter and his concubine are here. I’ll bring them out for you. Abuse them if you must….” The Message
He dismembered his raped and murdered wife.
Judges 19:29-30, “…he took a knife and dismembered his concubine… (30) …’Has such a thing ever happened?… Think about it! Talk it over. Do something!’ ” The Message
Each step was viler.
* * * * * * *
Fast forward to 2018 – it’s worse.
- “Don’t tell me what to do.”
- “You are rich – don’t charge the thief.”
- “It’s not a baby.”
- “My boss doesn’t pay me enough, I need these supplies.”
- “It’s only sex.”
- “No work gets done after 4:00 p.m.”
- “All homeless are con artists.”
- “There’s nothing wrong with porn.”
- “I’m too busy to pick you up tonight – walk home alone.”
- “See the Christians beheaded in Egypt, here.”
- “Planned Parenthood sells baby parts.”
The New International Version says “Everyone who saw it was saying to one another, ‘…We must do something! So speak up!’ ”
But what can I do?
Go back to the first step. Submit to King Jesus and do what he tells me.
- Speak for the victims.
- Support organizations protecting the unborn.
- Be faithful to my husband.
- Do an honest day’s work.
- Support organizations that help the poor and homeless.
- Share posts of missing children.
- Click “Unfollow,” instead of watching a video.
Proverbs 21:13, “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.” New International Version
I need to gather some food for the Lord’s Cupboard to take to church tomorrow!
Proverbs 21:16, “Whoever strays from the path of prudence comes to rest in the company of the dead.” New International Version
The King’s birthday is Tuesday. What are you giving for Him?
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