Introduction: Do you agree that all of us have “excess baggage,” even the best families? Why? The answer is because of the nature of the flesh as well as generational sins. Please recognize for clarification sake, we are responsible for our actions regardless of our generational backgrounds. But in spite of our blunders and sins we can find God’s GRACE and forgiveness through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. Although we are forgiven by our God sometimes the scars remain!
Today’s devotion reveals a man who had a 2nd chance.
1. Levi’s Birth Curse!
Levi had a “bitter birth because of a mad mama”!
“34And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.” (Gen 29:34)
Don’t forget, Leah was Levi’s mother. Leah was second choice to Jacob. Rachael was number #1!
How would they make you feel?
2. Levi’s Awful Anger!
“1And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. 2And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her… …25And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.” (Gen 34:1-31)
Levi took revenge at the expense of his father’s reputation. Solomon under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit writes, that we “lean not on our own understanding.” (Prov 3:5,6)
3. Levi’s Daddy disgraced!
“And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.” (Gen 34:30)
Our sin finds us out, (Num 32:23) and we reap what we sow (Gal 6:7,8). Our testimony can be tarnished giving our enemies ground to mock the things of God.
4. Levi’s Legacy!
“26Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.” (Exo 32:26)
After Israel committed idolatry by worshipping a golden calf, Moses descended from receiving the Ten Commandments and pronounced God’s judgement on those. By drawing a line in the sand and calling out those guilty, Moses calls on the children of Levi to execute the punishment. This was a second chance for Levi’s descendants to take a stand and honor the Lord.
Conclusion: Here is an example of “Grace abounding”! While there are consequences to disobedience, there is also restoration and renewing available through the cross, the blood, and the Word of Jesus Christ. Do you need to be restored?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
