SUMMARY: Israel tested
OVERVIEW: The judges’ cycle continues: sin, discipline, repentance, deliverance, peace, and back to sin.
BIG IDEA: God provided a deliverer for Israel, but when Israel got comfortable, they disregarded God.
KEY VERSE: Judges 3:4 (commentary)
These people were left to test the Israelites—to see whether they would obey the commands the Lord had given to their ancestors through Moses.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
I want you to walk with me and follow me. I want to be in a relationship with you. I don’t require it, but the more you walk with me, the more you will discover the blessings found in obedience. The more I become part of everything you do, think, and say, the more you will gain my perspective and filter life through my eyes. I love you and want to provide for you.
But let’s be honest—you are prone to forget me and my ways and go your own way. When you do, you may experience pain or trials. Those are not beyond my scope of care. I can provide relief. But I may allow them to be your teacher, to draw you to me. Trials are not always tests, but they may serve as reminders to rely on me today and forever, regardless of your circumstances. I love you. I won’t promise you a pain-free life, but I will guarantee my presence and provision.
NEXT STEP
Stop and look around. Do you see and sense God’s presence? Trials and temptations may surround you, yet you may be where God wants you. Or, you may have left God and gone your own way. If you are where God wants you, ask for his strength to do what he is calling you to do. If you are not, call on God and turn back to him. He is waiting.
MUSIC VIDEO