In and out. Back and forth. Faithful then unfaithful.
Reading the book of Judges can be a frustrating and depressing experience. Why can’t these guys get it? Can’t they see that misery comes from ignoring God and blessings come from listening to His words?
But somewhere in the reading, if we are paying attention, we begin to see ourselves. How are we any different from them?
Paul describes us perfectly when he described himself. I want to do what I know I ought to do, but I don’t do it. I wind up doing the evil I do not want to do.
Wretched people that we are. Who will rescue us from this body of death?
Thanks be to God, who delivers us through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Thanks be to God for His amazing patience and love toward us! He doesn’t want any of us to be lost, but for all of us to come to repentance. His love is granting us opportunity to do just that.
After another episode of unfaithfulness to God, Israel was in trouble and back asking God to help them. This time God tells them He would no longer help them. They should ask the gods they had been serving for help. But then Israel removes their idols and turns to the Lord.
Then this amazing reaction from God. “And He could bear Israel’s misery no longer.” (Judges 10:16) He sent another judge to rescue them.
It’s time to turn to the Lord while He can still be found.