Church Family,
What a Sunday! Genesis 34 is indeed a difficult chapter, but I’m so grateful for a church that does not shy away from hard passages and wants to dig into God’s word to understand. The story of Dinah is one of terrible mistreatment and blind justice. We understand the longing for justice when the innocent are mistreated. The brothers cannot bear the thought of their sister being humiliated, defiled, sinned against, and treated like a prostitute. Their longing is rooted in a right thing, justice, making right the wrong, but their massacre was out of step. Though Shechem had committed a grievous sin that “must not be done,” justice cannot be executed blindly. The good news is that God does bring justice wisely. Dinah is the innocent one mistreated who needs justice to roll down from a wise and powerful God. He is better at vengeance (Deut 32:35, Rom 12:19, Heb 10:30). What has been done to her is heinous, outrageous, something that “must not be done!” Upon reflecting on this event, Moses strategically labels the sin with words that clearly communicate that Shechem’s sin is grievous. Therefore, it requires a wise and powerful one to bring adequate justice. Interestingly enough, another innocent one who was mistreated that brings that justice, Jesus (Heb 7:26).
Senior Luncheon
We announced this past Sunday a get-together for our Senior Adults at Fat Willy’s. We will meet there at 11:30 am to have lunch and spend time together chatting, laughing, and encouraging one another. I’m looking forward to hanging with you all!
Destination Unknown
Speaking of get-togethers, we have a church-wide event on Feb 20th from 4 pm -6:30 pm. Food and childcare will be provided. Please sign up in the foyer so we can have an accurate number to prepare. As we said Sunday, the adults will be split into teams to participate in an activity that will require some driving. The children will enjoy time together playing and eating pizza.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryan