The tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin saying, "What crime is this that has been committed among you? Now then, hand over those scoundrels in Gibeah, so that we may put them to death, and purge the evil from Israel." But the Benjamites would not listen to their kinsfolk, the Israelites. Judges 20: 12-13 NRSV
What crime has been committed, indeed.
Levite taking a concubine? Check.
Levite running around the countryside, partying rather than serving God? Check.
Lack of good traveling sense? Check.
Lack of hospitality for the stranger who also happened to be your religious leader? Check.
Sexual perversions in a mob setting? Check.
Abuse of a slave/concubine without recompense? Check.
Lack of responsibility for one's own actions? Check.
Getting brother to fight against brother? Check.
Ignoring the advice as well as the Biblical instructions on perverse Israelites? Check.
Thinking I am so much better than all those sorry slobs in the book of Judges? Ouch!
God, we tend to read the Bible with a superiority complex at times. Forgive us. And forgive all of our crimes against you. In Jesus' holy name we pray. Amen.
Question of the day: Have you committed any crimes against God lately?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
No comments:
Post a Comment