STOP THE MERRY GO ROUND!
The book of Judges is marked by a repetitive cycle that makes it painful to read. It’s difficult to see generation after generation forget the lessons of their forebears and repeat the same mistakes. A vicious cycle soon becomes apparent:
1) Sin (Rebellion) – “Once again the Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight (3:12).
2) Servitude (Retribution) – “And the Israelites served Eglon of Moab” (3:14).
3) Supplication (Repentance) – “the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help” (3:15).
4) Salvation (Rest) – “and there was peace in the land” (3:30).
Someone once said, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Certainly, that was true for Israel. Yet God was willing to rescue them whenever they repented.
The book of Judges is painful to read because it is a picture of the fallenness of humanity. This painful pattern has repeated itself throughout human history. How can we stop this merry-go-round and get off?
Only God can rescue us from this cycle of death. Thank God, we have the victory in our Savior and Deliverer, Christ Jesus!
PRAYER: Dear Father, help us to truly repent of our sins and live for You, especially those repetitive sins that plague us. For we want to always live to please You in all things. You have forgiven us and made us right with You. Now we trust that You will complete Your work in us, making us like Jesus. In His name we pray, amen.