Christian Devotional – December 23, 2014

Read Judges chapter 21

VERSE:

Judges 21:15–The people grieved for Benjamin, because the Lord had made a gap in the tribes of Israel.

TRUTH:

The tribe of Benjamin had been disobedient and as a result, God had brought judgment upon them. However, the rest of the tribes, instead of rejoicing in their destruction, began to grieve and cry out to the Lord because of their fallen brothers. When we have brothers and sisters in Christ who have fallen and are experiencing difficulties because of their sin, do we rejoice in seeing them experience “what they deserve,” or do we cry out to God and pray for their repentance and restoration. Our fellow believers in Christ are our family and while we should certainly desire that they be accountable to God for their actions, we should be constantly praying for their repentance and restoration. Do we weep when we see a brother who has fallen? Do we grieve for them? We should as that is what the Lord does even as He strives to see them repent and be restored to the fellowship.

RESPONSE:

Father, You are Holy and Just and must punish sin, but God, I cry out to You on behalf of my brothers and sisters who believe in You, but have turned aside and sinned. Father, bring them back to You! Draw them back to You so they may be restored and experience Your blessing again. Please don’t cut them off and please don’t prolong the process, but Father, whatever needs to be done in order to see them restored to You, do it!