Cut off the Internet! On the third day after their circumcision, when the pain probably was the worst, two of Jacobs sons murdered all the men in the town. Every ministry has workers, but are all workers in the vineyards of God genuine Christians? The evidence of you having a relationship with God is people see that God is in your life. In addition to this, after the rape, Jacob is quiet and uninvolved. That is integrity. The beautiful imagery of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 lets us know that the new earth will be a place that reflects the glory of God throughout. One of the results we witness of someone walking with God is bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God. We will give you our consent on this one condition: You must become like us by circumcising all your males. Please give her to him as his wife. Jacobs sons killed them and looted the city because their sister had been violated. During difficult times, the hope of eternity gives us strength. We should neither overestimate the gift of Gods grace or underestimate it. Seeking the Lord means . These two verses are giving all Christians major revelation on what God is looking for from each one of us. Now Jacobs sons had come in from the field when they heard the news. Moses struck the rock in Numbers 20 in disobedience and, as a result, was not able to enter into the promised land. God loved them too much to allow them to continue in sin. Even when there was an easy way out, they would still stick to Gods plan, His instructions. The result is it makes advances in the best of all knowledge, the knowledge of God. Yet, just as they were getting ready to cross over into their Promised Land, they started questioning and doubting that God could take these enemies out for them, even though God had just got done delivering them from an entire Egyptian nation several years earlier! Church of England: Gay couples can't marry but will receive 'God's blessing', Church mourns pastor, wife who died trying to save son from drowning at the beach, Trump condemns 'disloyalty' of Evangelical leaders who haven't endorsed his 2024 run, Is Congress Christian? You may not always know where God is leading you, but you can be sure that you will never get lost. As the story begins, Dinah, Jacobs only daughter, goes to the city to meet with the young ladies of the land and is raped by Shechem, the prince of the land. listeners: [], Join me for a 5-Day Mountain-Moving Faith Devotional. This is why Scripture says we should rejoice in various trials and tribulations, as they test our faith (Jam 1:2). The works of many ministers of the Gospel have transformed so many lives but their own lives are not transformed. We must look for and take "the way of escape" God provides in every situation where temptation is found (verse 13). There was so much pain and suffering that could have been avoided had Abraham and Sarah exercised a little patience and waited on God. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fullgrown, brings forth death (James 1:1315). When a worldly environment gets our children for eight or more hours a day (especially if we include television, music, etc. Broken relationships. It was not uncommon in the Old Testament for the word of the Lord to come to Gods prophets again and again. Humanity was made to worship God, and if we dont worship him, we will worship something else. How should Christians protect their minds and bodies from this very present danger? Those are the consequences of not having enough faith and belief in God the Father and not being willing to fully follow Him in this life. Francis Schaeffer, And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God. Walk the plank! I praise you and pray for all these things in Jesus' name. Genesis 39:1-9, 41:38-44. They neglect Godleading to being conformed to the world and often committing worse sins than the world, impacting society negatively. So Jacob remained silent until they came in Jacobs sons answered Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully when they spoke because Shechem had violated their sister Dinah. If It Is During The Millennium How Will There Not Be Pain And Tears When The Devil Is Released To Deceive The Nations? Jacobs sons answered Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully when they spoke because Shechem had violated their sister Dinah. After all, as Jesus explained, actions speak louder than words (Mark 2:8-11). In doing this David lost his newborn child, lost control of his own children, and lost out on the opportunity to build the Lords Temple. In addition, the Hivites, who were pagans, were already experiencing the results of not acknowledging the true God. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.' 24 But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward. Goodbye trials and troubles. A prayerless person becomes preoccupied with the things of the world instead of God. The people leaned on their own understanding and were hardened with evil. He will use tragedy in a persons life, family, or nation to draw people to repentance. I have heard someone saying, "I decided to become a Christian because of the lifestyle of my neighbor." Let prophecies be given by divine revelation. If your beliefs, and therefore your actions, have become divided, gather them back together as you commit to God and His Word. Jonah was a disobedient prophet. In one sense, this chapter should give us all hope. And it also happened to Jonah: The word of the Lord came to Jonah the first time (Jonah 1:1) and then the second time (Jonah 3:1). In fact, this demonstrates that all are sinnersJews and Gentiles. And you can trust him to pursue your child who may not be walking His direction right now. Walking with God. God loves us too much to allow us to continue to neglect him and go our own way. Often these people dont have any Christian values at all. Whatever you love more than God is your idol. This is a very dangerous trend in the body of Christ. This is exactly how Paul describes the pagan world in Romans 1:21-23: For although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or give him thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts and their senseless hearts were darkened. Yet He did, following the example of godly men like Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 2:16-18). As we read the Bible and immerse ourselves in Gods truth and character, our lives are changedwe become more like Him. This has nothing to do with how much money you do or dont havea poverty-stricken person can covet just as much as a billionaire. When God is denied, sexual immorality saturates society. We long to hear God speak to us every day because we know that He has amazing things to tell us about our lives. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you. However, when people neglect God, abortions become common place because love comes from God. The populations of churches are decreasing because many are disgruntled with what is happening in churches today. Often God has to do the same with us. When God was neglected in Shechem, religion was used for personal gain. Jesus faced this dilemma when He healed a paralytic man. The passage 1 Samuel 13:13-14 shares the consequence for not waiting on God: "You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you . In the narrative, Jacobs only daughter Dinah was raped by a prince in the land of Shechem. In 2 Timothy 3:5-6 (NIV), Paul describes abusive spiritual leaders: having a form of godliness but denying its power. I want to intentionally be sensitive to God's voice and have an obedient heart towards Him. It means that every child of God can hear God speak to them. Figuring they were old and didnt have time to waste waiting, Sarah suggested that Abraham have a child with her handmaiden Hagar, who gave birth to Ishmael. His calling is to take the gospel to where no one has neither preached nor heard about Jesus. Holy Bible, New International Version , NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. He didnt protect her by loving her and establishing appropriate boundaries for her. (1 Jn. Its so dangerous, we must run from it. E. M. Bounds, All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Gods promises are yes and Amen,when you walk with God,He fulfils his promises unto your life, Much blessed by the articles ,its purely the word we need, Am very grateful to God and to the author for it really helped me in my day to day life, I have achieved allot more blessings I pray. The benefits and results of walking with God far outweigh a life of not walking with Him. God's actions at the Tower of Babel demonstrate how He brings confusion when we make decisions . When Jonah ran from God, God brought a storm in his life to turn him back (Jonah 1). People declare the rights of parents to murder their children. If you need a victory in your life, begin every day by renewing your faith in Christ in whom all our victories are to be realized. Something else that may imply the neglect of God in this narrative is the fact that this is one of the few chapters in the Bible where God is never mentioned.2 In the book of Esther, God is never mentioned either, but his sovereign and positive influence is seen throughout the pages. The sins of the parents show up in the childrens lives and therefore are repeated (cf. How do you view yourself? So Jacob remained silent until they came in. You can make the bride price and the gift I must bring very expensive, and Ill give whatever you ask of me. We will be with God now and even after we leave this earth. This is the eternal nature of having a strong relationship with God. He allows his sons to handle it. In this narrative, one of the sad realities is the lack of parental involvement and leadership. Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik. It was as if it wasnt a big deal. What are consequences of neglecting God? Big Question: What are the consequences of neglecting God, as demonstrated in the Genesis 34 narrative? Its one thing to say, I forgive you, but its another to act like all the effects of an offense are completely erased. Instead you thrill to God 's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. The people of Israel were no better than the world around them. Consequences in a Life Not Walking in the Fear of God. Copyright by Michael Bradley and Chris Bradley. Hello golden streets, glorified bodies, endless days, and the fresh air of New Jerusalem! Take more time to read and meditate on Gods Word, and allow Him to speak into your life. He favored Rachels children over Leahs. We may not realize it, but walking with God is so much better than walking without him and here is why. To intermarry with the Canaanites would have threatened Gods promise. We see this happening all around us. Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. This is what made their act even more evil. Dont let your past keep you from trusting God for a second (or third, or fourth) chance. When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, who ruled that area, saw her, he grabbed her, forced himself on her, and sexually assaulted her. Compassion means taking more than a passing interest in the needs of others. However, God can change flawed people and use them for his purposes, which he eventually does with Israel. The victory over the world, the flesh, the devil, and sin was won by the Cross and the empty tomb. So, Jesus proved He had the authority to say, I forgive you, by doing something harder. The fruit of the Spirit is evident in our daily interactions with others. They said to them, We cannot give our sister to a man who is not circumcised, for it would be a disgrace to us. When God is neglected in our lives, often, lust will rear its ugly head in some form or another. Strengthen your walk with the Lord today, knowing that it is a relationship that goes on into eternity. Let us marry your daughters, and take our daughters as wives for yourselves. Now God will make them known as the nation that did not obey and perished. When his sons agreed to intermarry with the Hivites on the condition of circumcision, Jacob doesnt say, No. This was a major spiritual failure on Jacobs part. Follow Abrahams example as a faithful father by deepening your friendship with God. Instead of justice, they seek vengeanceturning many away from Christ. It happens as we stop attending church faithfully, reading our Bibles, praying, and having Christian fellowship. The moment we resolve to stand strong and walk away is when temptation grows most intense. Thats just what we see in this chapterthe consequences of neglecting God, both among pagans and believers. God used that book to soften my heart, reignite my walk with Him, and prepare me for a difficult time. We live in a society that wears impatience as a badge of honor. Its one thing to know how to strengthen your walk with God, its another what it takes to get you there. You can tell Him where you lost your zeal for Him and that you are ready to have a more intimate relationship with Him. The fire will show if a person's work has any value" (1 Corinthians 3:13). His life was sold out to God, and he kept away from anything that could defile him. The story of Enoch teaches us that we can also walk with God and benefit from this walk if we have fellowship with God daily. But Jonah fled west toward Spain because he feared the Assyrians. When James writes the Hebrew Christians who were scattered because of persecution, he rebukes them for murdering one another. The journey of faith is not an easy one. As mentioned, it was common and accepted in that society for unaccompanied females to be sexually assaulted. They used to go in and out of the holy place and were praised in the city where they had done such things. Romans 1:28-32 says: And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what should not be done. Artists who sing about their abuse of women, drug selling, and gang banging will go platinum and get movie deals. 4 Accessed 5/25/2018 from https://www.rainn.org/statistics/victims-sexual-violence, 5 Accessed 5/25/2018 from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-earp/1-in-4-women-how-the-late_b_8191448.html, Related Topics: Character Study, Christian Life, Greg Brown earned his MA in religion and MA in teaching from Trinity International University, a MRE from Liberty University, and a PhD in theology from Louisiana Baptist University. Share with us in the comments below. So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city and spoke to the men of their city, These men are at peace with us. But if you do not agree to our terms by being circumcised, then we will take our sister and depart.. We have spoken of this fellowship in our treatment of the third verse. They are filled with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, malice. Pornography is one of the biggest industries in the world. I wonder how many Christians have missed out on entering into their Promised Land this side of heaven all because they failed to fully follow God and take the path that He wanted them to take in this life! Daily Bible Verse: Luke 2:11. God always has a plan, and our false starts become His fresh starts. In a society where God is neglected, senseless violence becomes commonsuicide, the murder of innocents in schools and businesses, genocide, war, etc. They used to go in and out of the holy place and were praised in the city where they had done such things. 17Do you not see what they are doing in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? Then we will give you our daughters to marry, and we will take your daughters as wives for ourselves, and we will live among you and become one people. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Scripture taken from New King James Version. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. So you are certainly right that you . As you spend time reading your Bible, you will connect with God in a deeper way and get to know Him more. All rights reserved. He wasnt discouraged; he was looking forward to the future. Sexual immorality and homosexuality are results of denying God. 18The children gather wood, the fathers kindle fire,and the women knead dough, tomake cakes forthe queen of heaven. The Habit of Irresponsibility: The New Jerusalem, on the new earth, is that place. Posted on Last updated: December 28, 2018. Have nothing to do with such people. It is not possible to do the work of God, unless you are connected to Jesus Christ through a relationship with Him. Q. You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, n ever dropping a leaf, always in blossom. While the Hivites were in pain from their circumcision, two of Jacobs sons, Simeon and Levi, murdered all the men of the village. Instead of returning good for evil (Rom 12:21), they return eye for eye and tooth for tooth. A man who pleases God is one who obeys His commands and who submits to His plans. California is a dry state that needs water to be transported over many miles to population and agricultural centers. forms: { Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for you if you belong to Him (John 14:1-4). Peter wrote his final letter shortly before his execution. They told the king they would not divide their allegiance, that they would maintain their faith in God and His promises. Walking With God Makes Things Possible. November 2, 2020. Scripture Passage: Jeremiah 7:16-28 (NASB), 16As for you,do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with me, for I will not hear you. King David was a classic example of impulsivity. That verse changes our view of idolatry. Visualize your daily Bible study time like a miser running his hands through a chest of gold. To make this even worse, it is clear from the narrative that Dinah wasnt at home with Jacob but was being held captive by this family (Gen 34:26). To what things was Paul referring? The promises of God are in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). I have impulsively run into a marriage without asking God first, purchased high-ticket items without counting the cost, and made life-changing decisions without wise counsel. Did you know in US Jews are harassed 7 times a day? When God is neglected, the abuse of religion will be comprehensivedeveloping many false believers and false teachers. Ezekiel looked up and saw remarkable visions of Godthe throne of God surrounded by angelic beings. God stopped being their priority and there were terrible consequences because of this. The first, the First Council of Nicaea, met to agree on the nature of Jesus of Nazareth as both Son of God and Son of Man, as both fully divine and fully human. Divine wisdom helps us increase our knowledge of God so that we can trust Him more each day. He stayed faithful. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc Used by permission. In three days, when they were still in pain, two of Jacobs sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinahs brothers, each took his sword and went to the unsuspecting city and slaughtered every male. When you see opportunities to care for creationnature or your own bodydo so as a way of glorifying the Creator. However, this situation is very common when God is neglected. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. Sadly, we live in societies where abortions happen more than live births. Sadly, in many places, Christians dont have great testimonies either. Hello Jesus! Enoch lived among people who lived ungodly lives. Many who are genuinely called by God have deviated to pursue fame and wealth. A classic Bible verse that reminds us of one of the best benefits of walking with God is John 3:16. The Lord never said that our lives here on earth would be easy. The Bible says that Enoch walked with God for three hundred years before God took him away (Genesis 5:22-24). Yet they walked by their own advice and went backwards instead of forwards. Officially, church historians recognize seven ecumenical church councils held between A.D. 325 and A.D. 787. This mindset has landed me in a heap of trouble on more than one occasion. Christian Living. Sometimes like Jacobs sons, they go even farther than thatreturning face for tooth and body for finger. Yes, Satan is certainly trying to have his way with you. That is the life that goes beyond the one we live on earth to the one we will live in Heaven with God. Ezekiel is the prophet of the glory of the Lord. I LOVE thinking about this. All four of these verses are as clear as they can be. I LOVE trusting Him. Q. Jesus repeatedly said that He only did what the Father showed Him to do (John 5:19), and prayer was His means. With false humility? A person of integrity obeys the whole counsel of God every day, in every circumstance. First, he believed the promises of God about the future God had planned for him (Hebrews 11:8-12). Although they fully know Gods righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but also approve of those who practice them. There are great dangers in working for God without walking with Him. Are you guarding yourself and others against sexual immorality? Though redeemed, believers still have a sinful nature that must be subdued by living in the Spirit (Gal 5:16-22). Jesus told us in John 15:4 that no one can bear fruit unless they remain in Him. The volunteer decided the dilapidated volume wasnt worth saving and was about to throw it away when she thumbed through it and found a hidden chamber. How should true believers seek to remain faithful in times like these? 1 Peter 5:5, NIV, What is humility? It is true for us today also. Use your imagination to see every word of Scripture turning to gold as you read it. Some people wonder about the value of the Old Testament in a Christian's life. But we can learn a thing or two from the verses that mention him. Youll notice that there are people who are joyful, despite some things they are going through, and you wonder how they do it. 5. He spoke of looking forward to these things. and [looking] for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13-14). Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. For twenty years of hostile service in Haran, God protected and prospered Jacob. Over the years, stars . For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. Richard Sibbes, DavidJeremiah.blog is part of the broadcast ministry of David Jeremiah. 6 Consequences of Disobedience to God.1. Maybe, Hamor thought, Oh, boys will be boys! This shows how acceptable the rape of a young lady was. Then Shechems father Hamor went to speak with Jacob about Dinah. Those who walk with God obey Him no matter what. He is Christ the Lord!'. The humanity of Christ, while at the same time divine, is hard to understand. Before Jesus left the earth, He told His disciples that they had the ability to recognize the Holy Spirit, because He would be with them and in them (John 14:17). God eventually uses these people greatly, and God can do the same with us. Thomas Watson, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. In the US, one out of six females are victims of an attempted or completed rape.4 Similarly, one out of four females on college campuses experience sexual assault.5 In addition, the acceptance of homosexuality has grown. Many parents set no appropriate boundaries, which allows the enemy to tempt and influence them negatively. Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ. WALKING WITH GOD. First of all an encouragement: you are on the right track. Living in right standing with God? God doesn't tempt us, but He may allow temptation to enter our lives in order to give us opportunities to make obedient and mature choices. This leads to children disrespecting teachers, bosses, government leaders, and even Godcreating increased dishonesty, crime, and anarchy in society. Here are two very powerful Scripture verses describing the above scenario. And it appears that Jacob and his family began to neglect God in this season. 22For in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I did not speak to your fathers or command themconcerning burnt offerings and sacrifices. Gen 35:2)leading to great sins. Generations are being wiped out because of inconvenience. The false teaching, hunger for power and money, and manipulation of people will drive many away. Many countries coastlines are littered with plastic and debris, and there is an island of plastic more than the twice the size of Texas in the Pacific Ocean where currents have accumulated the debris. Make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau. So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, Get rid of the foreign gods you have among you. It has everything to do with whats at the center of our affections. A bishop in Nigeria recently confessed how he got initiated into a cult called the The White Prophets and how he was employed by renowned scammers in the town of Delta State to fake miracles and prophecies in the church. Snap judgments and impulsivity may be excused for children, but not for mature Christians. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts. But if you do not experience discipline, something all sons have shared in, then you are illegitimate and are not sons. The world only plans to corrupt them and take away their innocence. Both times, aware of this tragic cultural reality, Abraham lied and said that she was his sister to protect himself from being killed because of her. Because of our human nature, we can easily be overwhelmed by troubles, especially, when they stay with us for long. All rights reserved. Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. Loving God involves a lifestyle of obedience. 23But this command I gave them:Obey my voice, andI will be your God, and you shall be my people. Ready to take your faith to the next level? All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added. To live a life that pleases God and inspires others to know Him means that you know Him well and are intimate with Him.
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