in Yancey County in Western NC, and home to Mt. Celo Church.
The "lewdness and outrage in Israel" of what had occurred at the hand of the Benjamites brought Israel together "as one man before the Lord". 400,000 sword-carrying soldiers presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, along with leaders from all the tribes of Israel. Every man was in agreement that none would return home until this vileness had been repayed.
The tribe of Benjamin refused to turn over the "perverted men" that the evil might be removed from Israel. They refused to listen to their brothers and prepared for battle. Israel inquired of God and Judah was to go up first to battle against the tribe of Benjamin. Judah lost thousands of men for two days although God had told them on two separate occasions to go to battle. God allowed lives to be lost and did not give an immediate victory in spite of the fact they were avenging evil. Jesus compared sin to leaven--it permeates and affects everything it touches. Many Israelites died because of Benjamin's sin although they were not directly involved. Israel pursued the Benjamites relentlessly, struck them down with swords and burned their cities. All of Israel was grieved for Benjamin their brother and came up with a plan to get around the curse that had been pronounced on anyone who provided wives to the tribe of Benjamin.
The account ends with these familiar words: "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes". Jesus gives a parable in our reading in Luke concerning His return and His kingdom. "But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me" (Luke 19:27). The tribe of Benjamin was a microcosm of what is occurring in the world today. God's laws are being ignored to the point that natural relationships are being perverted and there is little respect for human life. Everyone is doing what is right in their own eyes. God's Word has little authority even in the lives of most Christians. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
Nevertheless, as Proverbs 5:3, reminds us, "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good". In Luke 19, we read that Zacchaeus received Jesus joyfully and repented of his oppression of others; he gave half of his goods to the poor and made restoration fourfold for anything he had taken by false accusation. As we wait for Christ's return, are we receiving Jesus joyfully, turning from our sins and making restoration, and allowing Jesus to reign in our lives, as well as telling others about the Gospel? Is He indeed the Lord of our lives or are we bent on doing what is right in our own eyes? Are we eagerly waiting for the bridegroom as a bride waits to be joined to her beloved on their wedding day? Are our own lamps filled with oil and burning brightly as we wait for Christ's return?
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