It was the ultimate family conflict. The remaining eleven tribes of Israel gathered to mourn the loss of their family: "So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, and lifted up their voices and wept bitterly. They said, "Why, O LORD, God of Israel, has this come about in Israel, so that one tribe should be missing today in Israel?" (Judges 21:2-3).
It's a long and involved story as to how the tribe of Benjamin was destroyed in war because of unfaithful and immoral conduct (see previous chapters). The fact remained, a great family loss had occured, and the loss was lamented.
Families are complicated. They can be the source of great fulfillment and joy, as well as the greatest pain and agony. No one knows us better than our family, and therein lies the potential for both fulfillment and frustration. Few relationships are more fulfilling when we are in harmony, but the agony can be indescribable when we are not.
Who we are is largely determined by biological family, but our ultimate identity is with the family of God. Jesus radically redefined family by declaring that those who do the will of God are true brothers, sister, and mother (Matthew 12:50). And what great joy there is when there is unity in doing the will of God.
None of us exist to ourselves; life is defined by family connections. This is ultimately true spiritually: we are defined spiritually by our spiritual family. As the apostle Paul said, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good morals.'" (1 Corinthians 15:33). Choose spiritual family association wisely, and participate actively. The church clan in the spiritual family you associate with has tremendous potential for good or harm. We essentially become like those we most closely associate with.
No Christian is an island. The most impossible task of all is to seek to live the life of a disciple of Jesus all alone. We each desperately need a spiritual family for our fullest spiritual development. Rejoice in your spiritual family. Actively participate for your good and that of your spiritual family. If you aren't' connected to one, take action to do so; either form one or join one. Wisely choose those of similar faith who will kindle a fire for faith, truth, and love.
Steve
© 2011, Steve Taylor
It's a long and involved story as to how the tribe of Benjamin was destroyed in war because of unfaithful and immoral conduct (see previous chapters). The fact remained, a great family loss had occured, and the loss was lamented.
Families are complicated. They can be the source of great fulfillment and joy, as well as the greatest pain and agony. No one knows us better than our family, and therein lies the potential for both fulfillment and frustration. Few relationships are more fulfilling when we are in harmony, but the agony can be indescribable when we are not.
Who we are is largely determined by biological family, but our ultimate identity is with the family of God. Jesus radically redefined family by declaring that those who do the will of God are true brothers, sister, and mother (Matthew 12:50). And what great joy there is when there is unity in doing the will of God.
None of us exist to ourselves; life is defined by family connections. This is ultimately true spiritually: we are defined spiritually by our spiritual family. As the apostle Paul said, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good morals.'" (1 Corinthians 15:33). Choose spiritual family association wisely, and participate actively. The church clan in the spiritual family you associate with has tremendous potential for good or harm. We essentially become like those we most closely associate with.
No Christian is an island. The most impossible task of all is to seek to live the life of a disciple of Jesus all alone. We each desperately need a spiritual family for our fullest spiritual development. Rejoice in your spiritual family. Actively participate for your good and that of your spiritual family. If you aren't' connected to one, take action to do so; either form one or join one. Wisely choose those of similar faith who will kindle a fire for faith, truth, and love.
Steve
© 2011, Steve Taylor
posted by steve @ 8:06 AM
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