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When I was convicted by this passage, and my heart sank deep within me, I was reminded that in the midst of Israel’s disobedience, chaos, violence and despair, God was with them. He kept reaching for them, calling to them, fighting for them. He even sent his son to die for them. In spite of their disobedience, he never left them. In spite of their faithlessness, he remained faithful. In spite of their lawlessness, he remained loving. And when they acted like a foe, he extended grace and mercy like a true friend. That is good news for us! God will keep drawing us to himself, in spite of ourselves. Yes, even when we have cut up the concubine! Christ is a friend that sticks closer than a brother and even in the midst of our rogue and reckless behavior, he will be there to turn us around, cleanse us, and use us for his purposes. Consider that, rest assured, and offer Him Praise!