Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Judges 20 and Psalm 43.

There is much one could say about the events of this chapter of Judges. One thing stands out to me in the context of the horrific events currently unfolding in the Ukraine, though.

In verses 13-14 the Israelites say:”‘Now turn those wicked men of Gibeah over to us so that we may put them to death and purge the evil from Israel.’ But the Benjaminites would not listen to their fellow Israelites. From their towns they came together at Gibeah to fight against the Israelites.” Instead of rightly identifying the sin in their midst and handing over the guilty parties to face justice, they put the interests of their tribe before the interests of true justice and of the Kingdom of God.

It is important for Christians to remember that we are citizens of the Kingdom of God first (Philippians 3:20) and that our nationality or ethnicity is far less relevant. In Russia there are many Christians (and others) who are bravely standing up against the injustice of the war their president is waging in their name. They are choosing the values of the Kingdom above the narrow interests of their nation. Likewise there are Christians in both the Ukraine and Russia boldly praying and speaking out for peace in the face of the rhetoric of war.

Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, as Lent begins today, help me to rightly identify the sin in my own life. Help me not to be so intent on spotting the sin in others that I am blinded to my own. Help me to choose Your Kingdom values of righteousness and peace above my own narrow self-interests. For the sake of Your Kingdom and Your glory I pray. Amen.