The rape of Dinah and the revenge of her brothers are directly related to geography. Jacob had settled in the middle of people who didn't follow the Lord God. They were uncircumcised and had heathen practices.
Proximity to those practices has already affected Jacob's family. The revenge exacted by Simeon and Levi makes it impossible for Jacob to stay where he is. So he moves yet again -- this time to a place where reverence for the Lord is predominant.
We live in the midst of the heathen. While the United States claims to be a Christian nation, it is, in fact, a plural society. The predominant religion seems to be secular humanism. We are bombarded by advertising and entertainment that promulgate immoral behaviors. And we are criticized as narrow-minded or judgmental or intolerant when we reiterate the standards set forth in the word of God.
While we cannot move geographically into a pure country, we can rid ourselves of the "foreign gods" of humanism, consumerism, and immorality. We can purify ourselves by steeping ourselves in God's word.
And we can move out in society, openly, honestly proclaiming God's word. We can speak the truth that what God calls "abomination," humanism calls "alternative lifestyle." What society calls "choice," God calls murder. We can speak gently, lovingly. But we must speak the truth.
Father, God,
Grant us the grace of purity of mind and heart. Give us the courage to speak boldly the truth of Your word. And keep us ever close to you.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
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