Bible Pathway - Mar. 30, 2010
Highlights:
Civil war between Benjamites and other tribes; Benjamites defeated and the results.
Verses for Today:
The tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness is this that is done among you? . . . But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren. . . . And the children of Israel . . . asked counsel of the Lord. . . . And the Lord said, go up against him (Judg. 20:12-13,23).
The tribe of Benjamin refused to allow justice to be done to the homosexual mob that gang-raped a defenseless Israelite woman, causing her death (20:13). All the other tribes of Israel united to execute judgment against them and came unto the House of God, and wept, and sat there before the Lord, and fasted that day until even, and offered Burnt Offerings and Peace Offerings before the Lord (20:26). In deep humility, they committed themselves to the Lord.
It was only after they had built an altar and offered the sacrifices for their own needs that the Lord said, Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand (20:28). The tribe of Benjamin was almost destroyed as the consequence of this wicked sin.
There is a growing indifference to immorality in our society, similar to what existed in the tribe of Benjamin. We have redefined sin. Adultery is now called "having an affair." Homosexuality is called "gay and lesbian" or "alternative lifestyles." Fornication is referred to as "live-in lovers." The purpose is to remove the sense of guilt for violating the moral Law of God and to make the sinner feel comfortable, as they did when every man did that which was right in his own eyes (21:25). However, while hating and exposing sin, we must also show mercy and kindness as we pray for and lovingly urge sinners to receive Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives.
All sin is abominable to our holy God; however, all sin that is truly repented of and forsaken is forgiven through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ (I John 1:9). The Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians that some of them had been delivered from sexual sins when he wrote: Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind . . . shall inherit the Kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified (set apart), but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (I Cor. 6:9-11).
Thought for Today:
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this Book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this Book (Rev. 22:18).
Christ Revealed:
As our Deliverer (Judg. 20:26-28). As we pray and seek the Lord's will, He delivers us from all evil forces. Our Lord Jesus Christ . . . gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God (Gal. 1:3-4).
Word Studies:
20:5 forced =raped; 20:6 lewdness and folly =sinful shameful disgrace; 20:13 children of Belial =evil perverts; 20:34 sore =fierce; 20:35 smote =struck down; drew the sword =were experienced soldiers; 20:41 amazed =terrified; 20:42 turned their backs =retreated, fled; 20:43 trode them down =overtook them; sunrising =east; 20:45 gleaned =cut off; 20:46 fell =died; men of valour =valiant warriors; 21:13 call peaceably =proclaim peace.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Gina Lesnefsky • Country: Costa Rica (4 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Religious freedom is increasing • 90% Roman Catholic; 6% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and lift up your prayers to God with the spirit of understanding (I Cor. 14:15).
Optional Reading: John 21
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:11
