Devotion
An eye for an eye…
David Jacobs
There have been a number of salacious scandals in Hollywood recently where men in positions of power have abused it, forcing women to sleep with them. This subject has sparked the #metoo movement, with women around the world joining together to share their stories of sexual abuse. It has shed light on a great tragedy of global society: women are often the targets of sexual abuse and rape and their voices have been ignored and they have had difficulty protecting themselves. The question arises: what is the best way to protect women and eliminate sexual abuse? This question has been pondered for thousands of years. Let us turn to the scripture.
In these verses, Jacob's daughter, Dinah, is raped by Shechem. In the time that this was written and even today in some countries, a woman that is raped shoulders a large part of the blame. I am a man and have a wife, daughter, and sister, and it is hard to know how I would react if any of them were victims of similar abuse. I honestly do not know how I would react, but an evil action like this often generates an evil repercussion. In these verses, the sons of Jacob fool Hamor and his sons, including Shechem, into getting circumcised so that they will be allowed to marry Jacob's daughters. Again, as a man, I can imagine how uncomfortable an adult circumcision would feel, and Jacob's sons use this opportunity to kill all of the men in Hamor's camp to avenge their sister's defilement. The evil that Shechem sparks by defiling Dinah only begets more evil.
As Christians, we are told to turn the other cheek to an enemy that strikes us, but how can we protect ourselves? In my opinion, the #metoo movement is a good example of a positive and constructive attempt to reduce or eliminate sexual abuse. Unlike the sons of Jacob, we should not just consider our case; we must consider all cases. By working together and shedding new light on the situation, we can fight evil with good. Light will shine in the darkness, and the darkness will not overtake it. (John 1:5)
Prayer
Remember these verses the next time you feel the urge to hurt another person. Fighting evil with evil is like fighting fire with fire: it only creates more evil. We should turn the other cheek to show others an example of good instead of evil. Join with other Christians by doing good and we can show the entire world what good is.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
