Defilement And Indignation

"Because their sister Dinah had been defiled, Jacob's sons replied deceitfully as they spoke to Shechem and his father Hamor."
Genesis 34:13

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Devotional Thought For The Day
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We don't know that much about the details of Dinah's "defilement." This much we do know, that sexual intercourse outside of marriage "defiles" a woman. The same for a man, although in this case, as in most, the man certainly wants it. Shechem "violated" Dinah [v. 2].

Such defilement was used to justify deceitfulness and treachery. The slaughter of Shechem and Hamor and their men caused Jacob to be a "stench" to the neighboring people, and brought trouble and danger to his family.

However, at least they recognized the "defilement!" Today we shrug our shoulders, and feel no indignity when people move in together, have "casual" sexual relations, and divorce. There are so many indignities today, that we are desensitized.

We should grow in our indignation at the immorality around us, including that in our own families. However, such indignation is no excuse for deceit, treachery, and violence. Where there is repentance, we must extend the same grace and mercy that we have received from God.

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Prayer For The Day
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O Lord, forgive me for my nonchalance about the evil around me. With no indignation and condemnation, there is no repentance and reconciliation. Help me to find the proper balance between law and gospel, to apply condemnation to sin, and forgiveness to the repentent. Keep me from sin, and grant me repentance when I do sin, that I may remain always in Jesus' forgiveness. Amen.

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