“And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite staying in the remote mountains of Ephraim. He took for himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. 2 But his concubine played the harlot against him, and went away from him to her father’s house at Bethlehem in Judah, and was there four whole months. 3 Then her husband arose and went after her, to speak kindly to her and bring her back, having his servant and a couple of donkeys with him.” Judges 19:1-3 NKJV
“Then he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart, but the young woman’s father said, “Please refresh your heart.” So they delayed until afternoon; and both of them ate.” Judges 19:8 NKJV
“Just then an old man came in from his work in the field at evening, who also was from the mountains of Ephraim; he was staying in Gibeah, whereas the men of the place were Benjamites. 17 And when he raised his eyes, he 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 So he said to him, “We are passing from Bethlehem in Judah toward the remote mountains of Ephraim; I am from there. I went to Bethlehem in Judah; now I am going to the house of the Lord. But there is no one who will take me into his house, 19 although we have both straw and fodder for our donkeys, and bread and wine for myself, for your female servant, and for the young man who is with your servant; there is no lack of anything.” 20 And the old man said, “Peace be with you! However, let all your needs be my responsibility; only do not spend the night in the open square.” Judges 19:16-20 NKJV
Lord God,
We come near to the end of Judges and read about the state of the Israelites, constantly needing judges and saviours (300 to 400 years?). And we see how far from the Law of Moses they have moved. But we notice that it is not all bad. Here is a Levite travelling to kindly restore his family to himself. And an old man, living and working away from his tribe, immediately obeying the law of Moses on hospitality. He was a good man. At the end of Judges the tribes are not united as a nation. and end up fighting and killing each other. No attempt to recompense or peace make. But there is that one good old man.
How sad. But I remember how, when Abraham spoke up for Sodom, he said, ‘what if only 10 righteous are there?’ And You promised to save it if only 10. There was not 10, so Sodom was burned, but You God saved Lot and his daughters (Genesis 19). You are always looking for those You can save.
You stayed faithful. Was it because of one good man who loved his neighbour, Your promises to Abraham, Isaac and Moses? Even a good man sins (Romans 3:23). But God, You demonstrated Your own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” )Romans 5:8) We may despair sometimes at the evil in this world just as the Levite and the old man must have in theirs. But You were faithful to them and now we have one good Saviour, Jesus.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Saturday 21st March 2026
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
Chorus
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
Chorus
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
Chorus twice.
Lyrics:Daniel W Whittle