But when the Israelites cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the Israelites, who delivered them, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. The spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel; he went out to war, and the Lord gave King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram into his hand; and his hand prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim. So the land had rest forty years. Then Othniel son of Kenaz died. Judges 3: 9-11 NRSV
Besides the pattern of the relationship between God and the Israelites, there is also something to be observed about the relationship between God and each judge.
God raises up the judge as deliverer.
The spirit of the Lord comes upon the judge.
God gives the judge victory.
Because of God's intervention, the land has a period of peace.
So often I take things on without waiting for God's nudge, spirit or blessing. Why wait for God's help when I am capable of handling things myself?
But if I look at Judges, the outcome is so much better for longer periods of time if I wait upon God's call, God's direction, God's Spirit and God's intervention.
Only God can give true, lasting victory.
God, help me to wait for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Question of the day: Do you wait for God or go ahead and do it yourself?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
You know, God is so good. I have been asking Him to guide me through some very big decisions over the last several weeks. Yesterday I wasn't pleased with the answer I was given and wanted to throw my hands in the air and say "Forget it!" Then I prayed and realized that my life is in His hands and if I'm just patient it will all work as planned.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this one today. It really spoke to me.
~ Lurenda
What seems to get these folks into trouble time and time again is that they are doing "what is right in their own eyes" causing a mess then they cry out and God responds. Waiting on God to act is hard, but the mess I make of things is worse.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amelia for the reminder!