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Bible Pathways 03/30/2003


March 30

Read Judges 20 -- 21

In Today 's Reading:

Civil war between Benjamites and other tribes; Benjamites defeated; wives provided for few remaining Benjamites

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 (Judges 20:13). All the other tribes of Israel united to execute judgment against them and came to Bethel. There they wept and sat before the LORD, and they fasted that day until evening. Then they offered burnt offerings and fellowship 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 tomorrow I'll give them into your hand (20:28). The tribe of Benjamin was almost destroyed before the consequences of this wicked sin had been meted out.

There is 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 replaced with "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 God's moral law and to make the sinner feel comfortable, as they did when in those days . . . everyone did what 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 entreat sinners to come to Christ and allow Him to change 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. The apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians that some of them had been delivered from sexual sins when he wrote: Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit God's kingdom? Do not be deceived: no sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals . . . will inherit God's kingdom. Some of you were like this; but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (I Corinthians 6:9-11).

Christ Revealed:

As our Deliverer (Judges 20:26,28). As we pray and seek the Lord's will, He delivers us from all evil forces. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age (Galatians 1:3-4).

Prayer Needs:

Country: Tunisia (10 million) in North Africa · Major languages: Arabic and French · Islamic state — no open ministry for Christ is permitted; strict surveillance of all Christian activities · 99+% Muslim; .3% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving (Psalms 147:7).

Optional Reading: John 21

Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 2:2



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