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

The Next Door Savior

In the aftermath of 9/11 a group of religious leaders was invited to come to Washington and pray with President Bush. The group was well-frocked and well-known. You might wonder if I felt out of place. The only time I wear a robe is when I step out of the shower.

But when it came my turn to meet George W. Bush, I added, “And Mr. President, I was raised in Andrews, Texas—a half-hour drive from your hometown.” He smiled that lopsided smile and let his accent drawl ever so slightly. “Why, I know your town. I’ve walked those streets. I’ve even played your golf course.” It was nice to know that the president knew my home.

How much nicer to know the same about God. Yes, he rules the universe. Yes, he has walked your streets. He’s still the next door Savior. Jesus – above all powers? You bet he is!

You will Never Have To

Suppose you were to stand on a stage while a film of every secret and selfish moment of your life was projected on the screen behind you. Would you not scream for the heavens to have mercy? And would you not feel just a fraction of what Christ felt on the cross? The icy displeasure of a sin-hating God.

The Bible says Christ carried all our sins in his body. See Christ on the cross? That’s a gossiper hanging there. See Jesus? Embezzler. Liar. Bigot. “Hold it, Max! Don’t you lump Christ with those evildoers.” I didn’t. He did. More than place his name in the same sentence, he placed himself in their place. And yours! With hands nailed open, he invited God, “Treat me as you would them.” And God did.

“My God my God, why did you abandon me?” Why did Jesus scream those words? Simple – so that you’ll never have to.

A DESPICABLE STORY