01/05/2023 - THE NEWS THAT SILENCED JACOB

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And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter. Now his sons were with his livestock in the field; so Jacob held his peace until they came. Genesis 34.5

No father wants to hear that something bad has happened to his children. Jacob heard that Dinah was defiled by a hivite, a people who did not know God. This should have never happened to Jacob’s family, because of God’s purpose for them. This fact serves as a warning for the saved not to leave their children without the knowledge of Who the Lord is. God’s will, will prevent any action of the kingdom of darkness in them. We must be alert! 

Surely, the patriarch’s mind began to examine where he had gone wrong, or which door had been opened for the lion to prowl around his beloved girl and come in. Why did they allow her to go and meet the girls of the land? Dinah came down from her beautiful position in God, wanting to hear how they lived. Actually, she should have gone there with the intention of evangelizing them, but she ended up losing her honor!

So many Christians watch movies with strong sensuality content just to understand how lost the world is! In fact, they are already lost and out of God’s plan. Why do they do this if the Scriptures state: Nor give place to the devil (Ephesians 4.27)? Those who give room to the enemy lose their Friend, who is Jesus. Some act like this and then – say they don’t understand why God doesn’t heal or bless them.

That was a day of sorrow for the head of the family from which Jesus would be born. They knew that they had to be holy in order to see the Lord: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matthew 5.8). You cannot see God working on your behalf if you are not living in the fullness of holiness (Psalm 66.18; Isaiah 59.1,2). Forget the suggestions of the evil one and fulfill the will of the Most High. The rest is pure deception by the devil to destroy you.

Jacob’s sons were in the field and when they returned, they would hear of the tragedy that befell the family of the blessing. What would they say of the wickedness that Shechem did to Dinah, knowing that the shame would last forever? It was certainly a huge blow from the devil, but they would see the importance of not letting such a precious possession go out alone to meet the girls who didn’t fear God. We don’t know if they had any part in that fact!

Jacob was silent, and his heart wept with sorrow that they had not protected their virgin daughter. That was not a simple affair, but as if the girl who was their joy had died. That irresponsible young man brought shame and bitterness to the holy family. What would be the brothers’ reaction? Grief would drive them to revenge. Before he committed such evil, Shechem should have thought about the response that would come!

How many have done similar things and hid themselves! If they do not repent, the truth will be revealed at the Last Judgment. The only opportunity for those who have sinned is to be cleansed, forgiven, and convert to the Lord. Those who are born again are recreated in faith in the Son of God, and therefore will enter eternal Glory (John 5.24). What do you say to this?

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares