Day 68

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God Chose Deborah a Great Leader for Israel

Judges Introduction

Following the conquest of Canaan, Israel plunges into a 350-year period of national deterioration. A monotonous and deadly pattern develops: The people fall into sin; God disciplines them with foreign oppression; the people cry out in repentance; God raises up a deliverer; peace is restored. The cycle of sin repeats itself a total of seven times in the book. But God, ever faithful to his covenant people, extends his grace again and again by sending such leaders as Deborah, Gideon, and Samson.

Scripture

March 8—Judges 1-5: Conditions During the Judges

Observation

Efforts by Judah, Simeon, and the other tribes to purge the land of its pagan inhabitants are not completely successful. Pockets of godless influence remain—sometimes active, sometimes dormant, but always a source of spiritual stumbling to Israel. As the nation sinks into immorality and idolatry, God allows powerful neighboring countries to oppress and enslave the people. Cries of repentance bring God's hand of deliverance in the form of a judge, who throws off the yoke of oppression. Over and over the cycle repeats itself sin, servitude, supplication, salvation and silence. 

Application

A task half done is as useless as a task never begun. We almost cleaned the kitchen; we almost finish cooking the evening meal, the document got almost complete—each one is an unfinished task. Good intentions and careful workmanship count for very little if the task is never completed.

Over the book of Joshua could be inscribed the epitaph, "They almost finished the job." But tragically, the conquests of Joshua gave way to complacency in the time of the judges. God demanded nothing less than extermination of Canaan's false worship; Israel settled instead for toleration, and in the process forfeited God's fullest blessing.

What area of your Christian life needs "follow through" today? Don't allow incomplete obedience to separate you from the full enjoyment of God's presence and power. Meditate on Psalm 1:1 and be sure to notice the blessing God promises for those who don't walk, stand, or sit where they shouldn't!

Prayer

Yes, Lord we want to be completely obedience to your commands. We know that incomplete obedience is disobedience wearing a mask. Help us walk as Christians ought so unbelievers can see what they are missing and let it be done all for your glory. In Jesus name, amen! 

The Christian Walk!




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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