"Fortify yourself!"

On the fifth day he got up early in the morning to leave; and the girl's father said, "Fortify yourself." So they lingered until the day declined, and the two of them ate and drank. Judges 19: 8 NRSV

Okay, this partying has been going on for five days now. Do these men not have jobs? Responsibilities? Chores? Anything but sit around all day, eating and drinking?

Oh, wait! I forgot! There is no king in Israel - no one is doing as they are supposed to do. The man has a concubine, not a wife. The concubine has enough courage and opportunity to go back to her father's house (a woman alone and unmarried?). The father is unconcerned about what has made his daughter angry and treats her sugar daddy as a favorite drinking buddy. No one is working or being responsible. The man is easily swayed into remaining at his concubine's father's home (is this messed up or what?).

In the next few verses, the man is going to leave at the end of the day which will cause even further problems.

But who cares? Let's eat and drink for tomorrow we may get a king and actually have to do some work!

God, there are some things in life that are so tempting that we put aside our responsibilities to you, to our families, to our church, and to ourselves in order to indulge. You have created joy, celebrations and times for Sabbath. We repeatedly abuse many of these while using several excellent excuses. Forgive us. May your power be the true fortification in all our lives. In Jesus' name. Amen

Question of the day: With what are you fortifying yourself?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims