July 3, 2023
What does it say?
After 45 years of godly judges and peace, Israel once again turned to the worship of idols. They were taken into slavery as the result of turning away from God.
What does it mean?
Israel’s obedience to God’s laws was inconsistent. Gradually, the pagan idol worship of neighboring nations crept into their lifestyle. God judged their sin by allowing oppression and bondage at the hands of the Philistines and Ammonites. Unlike other times, their cries for deliverance reflected genuine repentance, which touched God’s heart. He used an outcast, Jephthah, and his notorious band of men to free them. Amazingly, the elders of Israel sought out this man of low social status to lead them.
How should I respond?
Do you go through cycles of faithfully serving God followed by periods of inconsistency? The Lord will always discipline His children for disobedience. Take a quick inventory of your attitudes and actions. How are you allowing yourself to be influenced by the world? In what area are you inconsistent in your obedience to God? Choose to confess those things to Him right now with genuine repentance. What lifestyle changes would help you stay on course spiritually? God says He has no use for a “lukewarm” Christian (Revelation 3:16). Does that describe you? He loves you passionately. Will your life reflect the same commitment to Him at the end of each day?