But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?” – Genesis 34:31

Today’s Scripture Reading (May 3, 2012): Genesis 34

It is the theme of a number of movies - one that seems to resonate with the audiences around the world. The central figure of the story would generally be considered to be the underdog – basically a weakling. And on the other side of the story there is a bully that enjoys having its way in regard to the weakling. The bully is openly antagonistic, often believing that the fact that they are bigger, or better armed, or stronger in some way, makes them morally right. And they believe that they have a right to do what they want – or take whatever it is that the weaker person possesses.

But the weaker person makes strides to get stronger. They workout, or learn a new way to fight against the stronger person, and in the end there is the showdown. The weak faces off against the strong. And the weak isn’t expected to win out in the battle, but we all know that somehow they will prevail. It is the plot line of all the “Karate Kid” movies as well as mainstream movies like “Gran Torino.”  And we love the plot line.

There was so much wrong about what the sons of Jacob did, but at the same time we kind of understand it. It follows the plot line of the movies that we like to watch. The underdog wins and the bully is taken care of in permanent manner (and, unlike the “Karate Kid” movies, there is no need for a sequel.) It is the kind of revenge that we would all love to have after someone hurts a person that is close to us.

The problem was that after the rape of Dinah, there was no way that the brothers could trust the family of her attackers. Just because they were the strongest kids on the block, didn’t mean that they could simply take what it was that they wanted and an ally who was willing to do that once, would be ready to do that again.

But maybe the bigger problem was that the brothers’ action betrayed a lack of trust in God. We often believe that God is on the side of the weak and the disadvantaged – and he is. But, in this story, the sons of Jacob took a vigilante type of justice in their own hands so that they could be vindicated rather than relying on God to help with the situation. And that works really good in the movies, but often has a tendency to backfire in real life.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Genesis 35

Personal Note: My Grandmother turns 97 today. She doesn’t read this blog, but happy birthday Grandma Baker.