(Genesis 35:16-29) Then they journeyed from Bethel; and when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and she suffered severe labor. 17 When she was in severe labor the midwife said to her, “Do not fear, for now you have another son.” 18 It came about as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin. 19 So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). 20 Jacob set up a pillar over her grave; that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day. 21 Then Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.
22 It came about while Israel was dwelling in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine, and Israel heard of it.
Now there were twelve sons of Jacob— 23 the sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, then Simeon and Levi and Judah and Issachar and Zebulun; 24 the sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin; 25 and the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s maid: Dan and Naphtali; 26 and the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s maid: Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob who were born to him in Paddan-aram.
27 Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre of Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had sojourned.
28 Now the days of Isaac were one hundred and eighty years. 29 Isaac breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, an old man of ripe age; and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.
TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:
Reuben and his brothers had just slaughtered all Hivite men in revenge - because one of them had raped their sister - because this ought not to be done! But taking revenge ought not to be done. And now Reuben slept with one of his father's concubines - also - ought not to be done!
We can start to see how unchecked sin gives way to more sin, especially when there isn't any accountability. The Bible makes a point of telling us that Jacob (Israel) found out what Reuben had done. So twice now, Jacob had been aware of his son doing things that he shouldn't do. But what we do not see is Jacob doing or saying anything about it. And we know that eventually the brothers plot against their brother Joseph... which we will read about very soon.
Meanwhile, I do remember when our kids were little, and I'd see them do something seemingly inconsequential. But then, if I let that go unchecked, I'd see them try to do more and more things which crossed the line. Turning a blind eye doesn't mean it isn't there. Ignoring what they do will not help them figure out life. Letting them get away with sinful behavior, or protecting them from consequences is unhealthy and harmful. The problems will only get bigger.
Because we love our children and want the best for them, we have to step up as parents! Explain why their sinful actions are wrong; make them appropriately accountable, and teach them what is the right.
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