The Biggest Surprise

The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, after Ehud died. So the Lord sold them into the hand of King Jabin of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; the commander of this army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-ha-golim. Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help; for he had nine hundred chariots of iron, and had oppressed the Israelites cruelly twenty years. At that time Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel. Judges 4: 1-4 NRSV

You just cannot second-guess what God is going to do next or through whom God will do it. You think a left-handed man in a public bathroom was a bit much? You were surprised by the use of a farm tool for a massive offense? Ha! You haven't seen anything yet! God is going to use a woman to save Israel!

We just have no concept of how surprising all this would have been for the Israelites. I guess it would be like an Hispanic gay man who ran an abortion clinic leading America back to true worship and following of God through the efforts of his atheist friends. That would only happen if that person showed how bad they were and that got people back to God, right? What if God used that person instead? What if that person became God's instrument rather than the object of God's wrath?

Impossible.

Not gonna happen.

No way.

Just like God called a woman to be a judge in Israel.

Just like God using Deborah to lead the Israelites to freedom.

Just like God doing something right now with the person who is least expected.

You.

God, use me for your work in the world. Amen.

Question of the day: How is God using you for God's work in the world?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Deliverance Comes from God

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