Judges 19 contains one of the most horrific and disturbing stories in the Bible. Why is it there and what are Christians supposed to do with it?
A woman is betrayed by the very people who should have protected her. She is sexually assaulted and abused through the night. Then the Levite who failed to protect her uses her body to send an outrageous message throughout Israel.
None of this should be softened, excused, or described as God's will.
In Judges 19:20-30, we see what happens when sin is allowed to consume people, even people who claim to belong to God. But this difficult Bible passage also confronts us with another uncomfortable question: When something evil happens and our anger is justified, does that make everything we do in response righteous?
In this sermon, Pastor Jason wrestles honestly with sexual violence, abuse, victimhood, anger, justice, retaliation, and the devastating consequences of sin. The Bible does not ask us to ignore victims, sweep evil under the rug, or pretend terrible wounds disappear. Christians should speak up when people are harmed. But we must also be careful that our outrage doesn't sacrifice wounded people all over again.
Jesus offers another way. Our response to evil should seek justice without abandoning mercy, confront sin without exploiting its victims, and help restore those left wounded in its aftermath.
Sin wins when wounded people become something else to use. Jesus leads us to see them, love them, defend them, and help them toward restoration.
Linkoln shares his story on why he started coming to Ravenna Church of the Nazarene and shares why you should consider doing the same.
Ravenna Church of the Nazarene
530 Main Street, Ravenna, KY 40472
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Consider visiting Ravenna Church of the Nazarene where Pastor Jason is the Senior Pastor.
Have a prayer need? Want to share something with Pastor Jason? Email dirtpathpastor@gmail.com
