Today’s passage is Judges 20:12-28.
The tribes of Israel ask Benjamin to hand over the men of Gibeah for punishment but they prepare for battle instead. When the Israelites ask God who to send first, he says Judah, who are then badly beaten by Benjamin. The Israelites weep all day before God, ask God again, and again are told to attack, and once more are badly defeated. The Israelites weep again and fasted and again inquired of the Lord, who says he will give them victory the next day.
Why don’t the Benjaminites hand over the guilty men of Gibeah?
Why do the Israelites weep, fast and continue to ask God for directions?
How hard it is to confess my sins and repent even when I see them!
The Benjaminites knew the men of Gibeah were guilty of gross sexual immorality and murder, yet they would neither surrender them for punishment nor punish them themselves.
How often have I been faced with a sin I won’t confess or be admonished for?
Because I observe my brother in law to be exactly that kind of man and judge him as such, God sent him to me to make me look at myself in order to discern the same things.
Today at school, the PTO had a big meeting.
One of the issues they raised was the hurt that teachers with loose tongues and lack of forethought caused hurt to their students.
These teachers carelessly left test papers on their desks where students could see the weak results of certain class members who were then mocked.
Teachers would carelessly comment to one another about students and classes, which were overheard and caused hurt.
Teachers would scold, rebuke and berate a misbehaving student in front of the whole class, hurting that student and undermining the other students’ confidence and trust in those teachers.
When I heard the PTO report, I felt convicted. I have shown exactly the same lack of self-control, integrity and empathy.
I have not loved others as myself. I have made comments to teachers, careless of being overheard.
By my own attitude and words, I have helped create a climate where this sort of thing goes on.
I confessed my own guilt. I and my teachers are not living the standard we expect from our students.
Application: to talk to the teachers in groups over the next few weeks about the hurt that has happened and, this time, not pointing a finger at any particular teacher.
Lord, forgive my carelessness towards others. Inspire me, I pray, with your care and kindness towards others.
