http://countrysidechurchofchrist.sermon.net/main/main/21415499
Wives for the Benjamites – July 7, 2019
Judges 20:43-48;21:1-25 Reggie Webb, Edenton, NC
“Surrounding the Benjaminites, they pursued them and trod them down from Nohah as far as opposite Gibeah on the east. Eighteen thousand men of Benjamin fell, all of them men of valor. And they turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon. Five thousand men of them were cut down in the highways. And they were pursued hard to Gidom, and 2,000 men of them were struck down. So all who fell that day of Benjamin were 25,000 men who drew the sword, all of them men of valor. But 600 men turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon and remained at the rock of Rimmon four months. And the men of Israel turned back against the people of Benjamin and struck them with the edge of the sword, the city, men and beasts and all that they found. And all the towns that they found they set on fire.” Judges 20:43-48 ESV
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Grab your pen and journal and be ready for another great story on and from Judges and Reggie!
Thanks Pastor Reggie for a great lesson!
One thing that stood out to me was that Pastor Reggie told us, “Sometimes when people make decisions in the heat of a crisis, they regret it later.”
The Israelites did it and then they had to “scheme’ to see how they would undo their rash decisions, oaths and vows. It was so interesting to learn that this pattern of behavior, graphically illustrated in Judges, was the pattern of behavior we read about in Jesus time. Pastor Reggie told us that in Jesus time, the “Scribes (Jewish leaders) were experts at keeping the letter of the law, but breaking the spirit of the law”. We were told in this lesson to take note of the Israelites becoming very skilled at this kind of thing with the passing of time. They sure had a lot of practice in this final lesson of Judges.
It was also interesting that Pastor Reggie told us that the even though the Israelites went to war because they wanted to (and almost obliterated the tribe of Benjamen), they put the blame on God. He said people are quick to blame others, and even God; but this behavior can be traced back to the Garden of Eden.
I believe Judges ended with the bottom line, didn’t it?…..”everyone doing what is right in their own eyes”
Debi, thanks for your effective note taking, timely posting and faithfulness to the very end. It’s hard to believe this is our last lesson on Judges.
Increased Faith is a rare gift to find, I’v often wondered why the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our Faith” Luke 17:5
And, “We are not boasting beyond our measure in other men’s labors. But we have hope that when your faith is increased, our region shall be greatly enlarged by you,”
2 Corinthians 10:15 MEV
So often I find find myself stopping just short of the finish line. I can sure get busy with whatever flashes in front of me. I say to myself the museums’s polished silver is better than my tarnish that needs a shine.
We have gone through 30 plus lessons on Judges for a one year study. It’s been July 2018-July 2019 and you have had one of the most outstanding years in family, church and career. And, you got a year older yourself. Lol
Thank you for your faithfulness and may your Nation be greatly enlarged for the Kingdom of God in souls and growth. I believe you have had what might just be called. “a Billy Graham moment.”
May God continue to increase your faith.
Thank you, Sara, for your encouragement, prophetic insight and gift of words. “Like apples of gold in settings of silver, so is a word skillfully spoken. ” Prov 25:11
It has been a tremendous blessing to be able to listen, write and be a part of these important lessons on Judges. You have made this opportunity possible by providing The Daily Lily, always making the timely connections and postings and comments; and always keeping the fire burning bright.
I value your words, and am appreciative of your affirming prayers above and would like to echo an amen.
And to that, I say: “ditto”. 😊
Tammy, thanks to you for a great year for nudging us all when things were going in the give up directions a few times.
Thanks for sharing your notes and scriptural notes from various scriptures.
You were faithful to the end. Give yourself a gold Star as I’m sure God has given you one for being faithful.
We appreciate you!