JUDGES-RUTH-I SAMUEL

Today is a lovely morning in Oregon.  I was reading in Judges, Ruth, and I Samuel this morning and now, I have only a little time to write.  I want to focus in on one truth this morning so here it is: THE HIGH COST OF FOLLY- In Judges 19, a Levite and his concubine, are taking a journey.  The Levite goes after his concubine, who has played the harlot.  He finds her in the house of his father-in-law, and they reconcile.  In fact, he speaks "friendly unto her" (vs. 3)  His father-in-law "rejoiced to meet him."  (vs. 3)  After many days, they take their journey home and stop to rest at night in the city of Gibeah, "which belongeth to Benjamin." (vs. 14)  There "sons of Belial" (a fool) "beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him."  (vs. 22)  Sodomites here were very perverted people and very aggressive to attack others for their wicked purposes.  The Levite then offers his concubine (wife) to them and they abuse her until the morning and then she dies.  (so very wicked)  The Levite then cuts up her dead body and send pieces around Israel calling them together for justice.  Now, the Gibeonites were very wicked, but so also was the rest of Israel.  They come together against this city, and the Benjamites defend the actions of the city and come to their defense.  (This is very clearly fighting against right and fighting for wrong!  We see this in our nation and society as well.)  In chapter 20, they come together to fight against this outrageous wickedness of the Benjaminites.  And now, the high cost of folly (wicked, stupid sinning) comes into play.  As a results of their sin, and Israel's own wickedness, when they come together to battle, they fight on three occasions in chapter 20, and 65,130 men will die!  Benjamin has 26,700 men to begin with, and 25,100 of them will die.  Of Israel, 40,030 will die.  In all, the 65,130 men die.... because of FOLLY.  A little folly....... causes great destruction! Hope you have a blessed day.  Pastor Mike Mutchler