April 6 – Judges 19:10-21

April 6 – Judges 19:10-21

¹⁰ But the man would not spend the night. He rose up and departed and arrived opposite Jebus (that is, Jerusalem). He had with him a couple of saddled donkeys, and his concubine was with him. ¹¹ When they were near Jebus, the day was nearly over, and the servant said to his master, “Come now, let us turn aside to this city of the Jebusites and spend the night in it.” ¹² And his master said to him, “We will not turn aside into the city of foreigners, who do not belong to the people of Israel, but we will pass on to Gibeah.” ¹³ And he said to his young man, “Come and let us draw near to one of these places and spend the night at Gibeah or at Ramah.” ¹⁴ So they passed on and went their way. And the sun went down on them near Gibeah, which belongs to Benjamin, ¹⁵ and they turned aside there, to go in and spend the night at Gibeah. And he went in and sat down in the open square of the city, for no one took them into his house to spend the night.

¹⁶ And behold, an old man was coming from his work in the field at evening. The man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was sojourning in Gibeah. The men of the place were Benjaminites. ¹⁷ And he lifted up his eyes and saw the traveler in the open square of the city. And the old man said, “Where are you going? And where do you come from?” ¹⁸ And he said to him, “We are passing from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote parts of the hill country of Ephraim, from which I come. I went to Bethlehem in Judah, and I am going to the house of the Lord, but no one has taken me into his house. ¹⁹ We have straw and feed for our donkeys, with bread and wine for me and your female servant and the young man with your servants. There is no lack of anything.” ²⁰ And the old man said, “Peace be to you; I will care for all your wants. Only, do not spend the night in the square.” ²¹ So he brought him into his house and gave the donkeys feed. And they washed their feet, and ate and drank.

 

Here we see the Levite and concubine leave her father’s house and spend the night in Gibeah.  While at the town center, they met an older man who offered to allow them to spend the night.  Why do you think the old man offered them shelter, food and drink?

In today’s world we can’t offer for strangers to stay in our home, but what can we do that would be comparable?

Heavenly Father,

I see these verses and I know Your word always has a nugget for me to learn.  Some verses are easy to see what I need to learn or do, but some aren’t as easy.  Help me to open my heart and eyes so I can see what You have for me to do or learn in light of Your words.  I know I need to care for others, and I do try to help those who need a leg up, but I don’t always know what it is I can do to help them, but I know You do.  Please help me be open to help those in need in the way You know they can use help.  I know often people try to help but really don’t know how, or what a person needs that is truly helpful.  I do want to bless others so I have opportunity to share the gospel with them, but I know there are times I need to just help them and let the next person share about You.  Guide me in these circumstances and help me be wise.  I truly want my life to reflect You and Your plan.  Help me know best how to do that. 

In Jesus’ name.

Amen!