TOPIC: WRONG REACTIONS TO PROBLEMS

TEXT: Genesis 34

KEY VERSE: Again, my loved ones, do not seek revenge; instead, allow God’s wrath to make sure justice is served. Turn it over to Him. For the Scriptures say, “Revenge is Mine. I will settle all scores.” Romans 12:19(VOICE)

No one expects evil, but because we live in a world that is under the influence of evil rulers and ungodly values, their actions can cause man pain, sorrow and damage. This is how Apostle Paul captures the situation of man outside Christ in his letter to the Ephesians.

“As for you, don’t you remember how you used to just exist? Corpses, dead in life, buried by transgressions,  wandering the course of this perverse world. You were the offspring of the prince of the power of air—oh, how he owned you, just as he still controls those living in disobedience. I’m not talking about the outsiders alone;  we were all guilty of falling headlong for the persuasive passions of this world; we all have had our fill of indulging the flesh and mind, obeying impulses to follow perverse thoughts motivated by dark powers. As a result, our natural inclinations led us to be children of wrath, just like the rest of humankind.” Ephesians 2:1-3(Voice)

People who are not in Christ are controlled by these powers who indulge the flesh and mind. That should not be the case with us. Our actions and reactions should reflect that we are under the control of the Holy Spirit. Dinah went on an innocent trip to tour the neighbourhood, but it turned out to be the beginning of a crisis when Shechem, out of lust, raped her. It was a terrible situation, but Jacob and his sons responded in a way that led to more evil and destruction. Remember, Jesus in the scriptures shared that his mission is to give life abundantly to all who seek him, while the devil seeks to steal, kill and destroy. The sons of Jacob allowed the devil to fuel their reaction, because they stole, killed and destroyed Shechem and his father Hamor. The power of a moment of anger can affect destinies and generations.

When bad things happen, we often get offended and react in anger, blaming someone for what happened, and we frequently seek revenge in one way or another.

Jesus teaches us to respond differently; we are not to be offended, and we are to leave the Lord to take vengeance for the wrong done to us. (Matthew 5:38-48). Jesus gave us reasons why we must respond in these ways. He calls us to higher standards of living as people in whom God’s spirit dwells and people who seek perfection. God knows we cannot behave in this way naturally, so He has given us the Holy Spirit to lead us and help us live supernaturally. Turn to the spirit and ask for help. ( John 1:12, Acts 1:8, Romans 8:9-17

But you are called to something higher: “Be perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48(Voice)

Reflection Questions

1. Review the stages in the story of Shechem and Dinah. What other outcomes were possible?
2. What should Jacob have done differently?
3. How did the reaction of Dinah’s brothers impact their testimony in their neighbourhood?
4. Identify a problem you have. Does your reaction align with Jesus’ values?

For further study, I recommend this book, The Power of the Moment, available online at https://selar.com/447c39mh32