Judges 19-20: The Levite and the Concubine
At the end of Judges, we find a gut-wrenching story that ends well, in unity. The assault on the concubine at Gibeah (Judges 19:22-30) was unthinkable, even to Israelites not known for tender consciences. They called it the worst of the worst (Judges 19:30) and asked: What are we going to do? Who's going to speak up? Remarkably, the entire community rose as one voice (Judges 20:7). That's how the Body of Christ should operate. United against evil and unified for good.
But rewind to Judges 17 and 18 for context: Micah's story exposes our human folly. We justify bending rules, playing God without seeing the damage. Like that era, where everyone did what seemed right in their own eyes, we chase twisted values and self-esteem. Never-ending boasting. Micah's mother rewarded her thieving son instead of punishing him, fueling his idolatry with a carved image. Like the helicopter moms of today, she was right about one thing: Micah would never be forgotten, but for all the wrong reasons.
These were wealthy people, much like us today, dumping fortunes on kids' sports or programs with zero character-building value. In Christian circles, we indulge self-aggrandizing nonsense: trophy-filled homes, cool sneakers, vanity plates, portraits fit for royalty. Like Micah, we demand controlled priests to rule us, building shrines to ourselves. So-called faith leaders peddle products galore. Lord, help us, call us together in unity to Your will.
We can look to our own plank. The blame spreads wide. We learn from Scripture. But we must act like it and obey Christ. For what good is faith if it is not put into obedient action.
The young Levite priest perverted God’s ways for pay, blind scribes leading the blind. The Danite warriors were lost too, taking bad advice without question. Notice the priest's glee at joining 600 warriors for a better gig. Sound familiar? How often do we see our modern faith leaders climb ladders, chasing bigger roles for more dough and bigger palaces? Far too often, we see men strike a deal only to ask to revise it twelve months later because they can demand more money. Pathetic.
The Danites worshipped Micah’s idol to their eternal shame. What do we worship? Power? Money? Politics? We must devote ourselves fully to the Almighty God alone. Lord Jesus, help us. Keep us united in You.
In Judges 19-20, the Israelites united against Benjamin and Gibeah's wicked men. No celebrity leaders named in these Scripture verses - just unity in a godly cause, crediting God alone. The whole community assembled, leaders included.
Before the war, they stated their demands to Benjamin: Purge the evil. They sought God repeatedly: "Which tribe first? Fight or stand down? Press on or stop?" We must do the same: seek Holy Spirit direction as one. Nothing can stop us if we are united in Christ as He prays and desires us to be.
Be bold for Christ. His business is making godly men and women, mercy and justice, as seen with Benjamin and Jabesh-Gilead. We too must rebuild, showing mercy while doing right in God’s eyes. The demons will do all they can to resist those who honor God. So be it. Put on the full armor of God.
For a blessed moment on Sunday, at Charlie Kirk’s memorial, we were unified. One voice. One God. One baptism. One Savior. One nation, under God.
Of course, within minutes of the celebration of Charlie’s life, we saw the picking apart of nuanced statements from speakers, denominational jockeying, and grievance airing.
What unites us? Who unites us? And what does Jesus expect of His people in unity?
There's a blessing built into America's name: United States of America. She is blessed by God, but only insofar as she acts in unity for good. And there's the rub: who defines "good"? Celebrity pastors? Ideologues? Political parties? As the Founding Fathers knew so well, it is God who is the source of justice and the provider of Grace. God's law. God's standards.
Even amid today's troubles - abuse of power by federal and state agencies, gross fiscal mismanagement, election cheating, the murder of innocents, and rampant rebellion against God’s standards - America holds together by God’s grace. United.
In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays for us, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one - as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.”
Perfect unity. Man, would I love to see that.
Be united. Seek unity. Unite in faith in Christ and build for Him. Unite in opposition to evil. Unite in exposing false teachers who profit off the Church rather than serve God. Unite in the Truth of Jesus Christ, strong godly marriages, healthy families, safe communities, and righteous laws with common-sense policies that lift all boats. Unite in helping the poor, the sick, widows, orphans, and all those Christ loves.
Lord Jesus, thank you for Your many blessings. May we honor You today by what we say and do. Amen.
Unity. John 17
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