I must admit, this is one of the more disturbing passages I have read in a long time. A Levite and his concubine are travelling and taken in to a stranger’s house for the night.
“As they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, worthless fellows, surrounded the house, beating on the door. And they said to the old man, the master of the house, ‘Bring out the man who came into your house, that we may know him.’ And the man, the master of the house, went out to them and said to them, ‘No, my brothers, do not act so wickedly; since this man has come into my house, do not do this vile thing.’ ” (v22-23)
I’ll spare the horrifying details, but the Levite’s concubine is abused and killed by these “worthless fellows” who wished to do unspeakable things to the Levite. The news gets worse from there, but suffice it to say the Levite sends all twelve tribes of Israel a message: “And all who saw it said, ‘Such a thing has never happened or been seen from the day that the people of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt until this day; consider it, take counsel, and speak.’ ” (v30)
Both the host, and the Levite try to convey this message to the people – “your behavior is unacceptable, evil, vile, and sinful, you must turn from your wicked ways”. Why were so many Israelites conducting themselves so poorly? We’re reminded “In those days, when there was no king in Israel…” (v1a) Apparently without a leader, everyone was doing what was right in there own eyes. Like a rudderless ship being pushed around by the waves, the people were influenced by the pagan culture around them.
This is why we are in desperate need of our King Jesus. He set the greatest example of morality while He was living here on earth.”Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Eph 5:1-2)
My encouragement for today is to heed any warning signs of sinful behavior – part of the Holy Spirit’s role is to guide us away from such practices, and guide us toward Christlike practices. This is what it means to follow Jesus – to act and speak like Him, not like the world. Of course we need God’s help in order to do this, we cannot do it on our own strength.
Father God, our Sovereign King, high and mighty are You O Lord. Father, thank you for giving us Jesus to show us the way. Jesus thank you for Your loving sacrifice, to help us reconcile with the Father. Spirit, please guide us on the paths of righteousness as You guided Jesus. May we walk His walk, and talk His talk, living lives in alignment with our Father’s will. All honor, glory, and praise be to You O Lord God Almighty, King of Heaven and Earth, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training