A DESPICABLE STORY

Dinah was Jacob’s only daughter, around 15 years of age. “When Shechem, son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of the land, saw her, he took her and forced her to have sexual relations with him” (Genesis 34:2 NCV).

Dinah’s brothers rightly saw the atrocity as an act against the people of God. Anger flashed in their eyes. Shechem’s father made an offer to the brothers. You give Dinah to Shechem. We’ll give women to you.

Dinah’s brothers told Shechem, “We cannot allow you to marry our sister, because you are not circumcised” (verse 14). So, every male in the city was circumcised. Three days later, when they were in the pain of healing, Jacob’s sons attacked, killing all the men and plundering the city.

Such a despicable, despicable story. We wonder why is it included in Scripture? Simple. We need the reminder. Apart from God’s help, we are a disaster.

Devotion by Max Lucado | The Almighty Jehovah | https://thealmightyJehovah.com

Where Joseph Stood

On the night when Jesus was born, I wonder if Joseph prayed, “Father, this all seems so bizarre. The angel you sent? Any chance you could send another?”

You’ve stood where Joseph stood. Each of us knows what it’s like to search the night for a light. Not outside a stable, but perhaps outside an emergency room or the manicured grass of a cemetery. We’ve asked our questions. We’ve wondered why God does what he does. If you’re asking what Joseph asked, let me urge you to do what Joseph did: obey. He didn’t let his confusion disrupt his obedience.

What about you? You have a choice: to obey or disobey. Because Joseph obeyed, God used him to change the world. Can he do the same with you? Will you be that kind of person? Will you serve, even when you don’t understand?

Out on a Limb

”After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18 NKJV).

Joseph was perched firmly on his branch in the tree. Predictable and solid, Joseph had no intention of leaving it. That is, until he was told to go out on a limb. “Conceived by the Holy Spirit? Come on! Who will believe me?” Pride told him not to do it, but God told him to do it.

Have you been called to got out a limb for God? I have a feeling you can relate to Joseph. One foot in your will and one foot in his. His or yours? Disrupting, isn’t it? You can bet it won’t be easy. Limb-climbing has never been. Ask Joseph. Or better yet, ask Jesus! He knows better than anyone the cost of hanging on a tree.

A DESPICABLE STORY