The lifelong lessons of Jacob and his family keep coming. Remembering his compromise and his son’s overzealous actions is a great reminder that there is never a time in our lives to get sloppy or lazy. As leaders, there’s too much at stake. As young people who tend to be more zealous and idealistic, it’s imperative that you lean into older, seasoned, experienced, and mature Christians as you navigate how to deal with the stuff you see in your world. I’m sure you’ll find that there are many warriors who’ve gone before you who have learned how to engage in this spiritual war in a way that honors the Lord and makes an impact.
I didn’t have time to address several things in this text, but there are several lessons that can be learned.
What You Value, You’re Kids Will Worship
One thing we’ve done through the years is ask our kids, “What do you think mom and dad value?” Or “What do we want most for you?” It has always proven to be a great learning tool. It’s also very convicting. But what these questions do is help you see where the challenges are and what your kids are seeing. So, if you want to know what you value, ask your kids.
The Complexity of Justice
Knowing what the righteous and just thing to do is a very complex issue. We saw that in Genesis 34. Dinah’s brothers had a legitimate grievance due to Shechem’s crime. But there was nothing seen in God’s word (as of yet) about how justice should be administered. Their method of seeking justice was deeply flawed. The fact that justice was needed is without question.
As Christians, this is very challenging. Things are not as ‘black and white’ as we might like them to be. How do we pursue justice in a world where injustice reigns? And how do we do that in a way that honors God and is a benefit to humanity? I think one heart-level issue is that if we’re seeking justice as an act of vengeance or retaliation, we will more than likely pursue ungodly methods. True justice requires wisdom, restraint, and a commitment to God’s glory.
In Genesis 34, we see two ungodly ways of dealing with justice: Jacob’s way: giving the sinners/perpetrators a chance, passivity, let time heal things. Jacob’s sons: Take the criminals out and get justice anyway you can. What’s interesting is God’s way of justice: He didn’t ignore our sin, brought our sin to justice, and gave us a chance to turn to Him.
A physical Mark to be God’s People?
When Jacob’s sons tricked the Shechimites into circumcising themselves in order to marry Dinah and become ‘one people’ with the people of Israel. It was a crazy moment when they utilized a physical mark rather than requiring a heart change. When I studied this, I saw some similar dangers in modern Christianity.
While modern Christianity isn’t seeking retaliation or revenge, there are plenty of times when Christians try to make ‘deals’ with the world, and in doing so, we compromise the gospel. One main way is by not teaching repentance (turning from sin and turning to Christ) and putting our faith in Jesus as the only way to transformation and heaven. When we leave repentance and faith out of recognizing people as Christians, we teach people that all they need to do is change their behavior or have certain morals rather than changing who they are at the core of their being.
Going to the Promised Land
One compelling and yet undeveloped thought from this story is how it would’ve spoken to the people of Israel about their soon-to-be entrance into the Promised Land. This story would serve as a great reminder of why they should not partner with the people of the land (Canaanites, Perizzites, and others) because they were immoral and greedy. It would also set the stage for the just war that Israel would bring to that land. This would give some indication of why God ordered that the Israelites destroy every enemy in the land.
Looking Ahead
This coming Sunday, we will study Genesis 35-36 as we see Jacob arrive in Bethel and read about Benjamin’s birth, Rachel’s death, and Esau’s family tree.
From the Cheap Seats
- How about this guy: https://x.com/MLB/status/1820497692088578197.
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone set a world record in the 400m hurdles. But watch her interview and notice how calm she is and how she faithfully shares about her faith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IO1yD3hjg8. Thanks to Bob Schissler and Stan Welch for pointing me to this interview.
- I’m not an Ohio State fan, but there are several players wearing shirts that are pretty impressive: https://x.com/ostrachan/status/1823019935381037108/photo/1
Have a great week! Christ is King!
In Christ,
Dave York
