Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands

Today's Verse

Genesis 34:30 (NKJV)

Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have troubled me by making me obnoxious among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites; and since I am few in number, they will gather themselves together against me and kill me. I shall be destroyed, my household and I.”

Read: Genesis 34-35

Thoughts

Chapter 34 tells a story of rape, deception, and mass murder. The sons of Jacob had taken matters into their own hands by taking vengeance against the people of Shechem for the rape of their sister Dinah. Jacob, now a godly man, is reaping the fruits of his past works. His sons have learned the art of deceit and used it for mass murder. Although, it may have been the correct course of action – but when it is not consulted before the Lord, then it is not the right action. And now again, Jacob and his family is on the run to avoid escalation of trouble among the people of the land.

It happens many times in our lives too. We simply take matters into our own hands, without first asking the Lord for guidance. It seems that having ADD (attention deficit disorder) is more of a normal trait for many people, rather than a disorder – even for Christians. We people can’t just wait! Many relationships have been broken, churches breaking up, opportunities getting lost, and many missed blessings – simply because we take matters into our own hands. We can’t wait what the Lord has to say by reading His word, much less ask the Lord for guidance. As a result, we end up putting ourselves and others in jeopardy. Simeon and Levi were not the only ones affected by their actions, but for the whole family and tribes of Israel. Yes, when we foul up, it affects other people too and not just us.

Nevertheless, God’s mercy and grace is never swayed by the wrong actions of man. The word “oops!” is not just in God’s vocabulary. He knows and understands our frailty. The Lord spoke to Jacob to meet the Lord in Bethel and worship Him there, the place where he once took refuge while fleeing from his bro Esau (Gen 35:1). The Lord is bringing him back to the same place while running for their lives again.

That’s what we need to do when we fail, and keep failing. Go back to where we met the Lord, back to our own Bethels and worship the Lord there. But like Jacob, we need to take down our idols and gods first – basically confessing our sins and leaving behind all that binds us in this world (Gen 35:2). Only then, we can have God’s protection and blessing. Only then we can have peace in our lives, and not worry about the enemies and problems that chase us.

Prayer

Dear God Heavenly Father, forgive us for taking wrong actions and sinning against You. Forgive us for our frailty and lack of faith. Help us not to go before You, but to wait on Your leading and guidance. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.