A Constant Battle

Read Genesis 34-35
 
Genesis 34:13 But since Shechem had defiled their sister, Dinah, Jacob’s sons responded deceitfully to Shechem and his father, Hamor.   
 
THIS is one of three very depraved stories about Jacob’s – Israel’s – sons who are the patriarchs of God’s chosen people. God’s Love Story does not look very loving here as his chosen men deceive, kill and pillage. In these and other hard stories, though, HE IS repeatedly reveals the depth of his patient love. Without such love, the Holy LORD could not continually witness his chosen people deeply sin as he awaits his preordained time to establish a sinless world. Yes, God’s love is very, very amazing: Psalms 86:13 for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death. Israel’s sons needed rescuing form the depths of sin’s deadly curse.
   The story begins when Israel settles in Shechem. Shechem is also the name of the prince of this land. Seeing Dinah, Israel’s one daughter, Shechem violates her. His uncontrolled lust ignites a fearsome retribution.
   Dinah’s brothers Levi’s and Simeon’s response indicates they are as their father was. Simeon and Levi respond deceitfully. They pretend reconciliation when they plan annihilation.
   Deceit is also on Shechem’s mind. He plots with his people to accept the brothers’ demands; yet he urges, “If we do this, all their livestock and possessions will eventually be ours. Come, let’s agree to their terms and let them settle here among us.” (Genesis 34:23) He wanted Dinah, and he wanted everything else. We must be careful of leaders who pretend their aim is the common good when their true goal is personal gain and power.
   Thus, the entire population under Hamor and Shechem become deceit’s and lust’s victims. This is the devil’s way. He is a Deceiver. He is a Liar. He tempts us with attractive possessions, using our desires for what we don’t have to destroy us. Shechem, the one truly guilty man, destroys all the others through the brothers’ murderous assault on all the men in Shechem.
   The sin became worse. Israel’s other sons take the dead men’s wives and children captive. These innocents become outcasts at the mercy of those around them. Crime upon crime assaults God’s will. One generation after another the LORD must work to deliver his people from the Evil One’s deceit.
   Later, we’ll read how Simeon’s and Levi’s future generations, too, would be judged because of the brothers’ sins here. But then God’s grace will come. From the Levites will come Moses and Aaron to begin the line of prophets and priests in Israel’s history. God judges in his justice. God redeems in his mercy.
 
What Do You Think? Wouldn’t it be enjoy what we have and savor God’s rich love?