April 24, 2015
The book of Judges is marked by a repetitive cycle that is hard to read. It is not hard in the sense that it’s difficult to observe the pattern. No, the pattern is evident. It’s hard because it is painful to see generation after generation forget the lessons of their forebears and repeat the same mistakes. The pattern is:
1) Sin (Rebellion) – “And the children of Israel again did evil (3:12).
2) Servitude (Retribution) – “So the children of Israel served Eglon king of Moab” (3:14).
3) Supplication (Repentance) – “But when the children of Israel cried out” (3:15).
4) Salvation (Rest) – “And the land had rest” (3:30).
Someone once said, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Certainly, that was true for Israel in the days following Joshua’s death. This is a picture of the fallenness of humanity. This pattern repeats itself until someone prays and repents. Only God can rescue us from this cycle of death. Thank God, we have the victory in Christ Jesus!
April 24, 2014
After the generation of Israelites who had seen God’s deliverance from Egypt, provision for 40 years in the wilderness, and His power to overcome the inhabitants in the Promised Land had died, the next generation forgot the Lord. Was it the failure of the former generation that didn’t train them up in the way they should go? Did they fail to hand off the baton of faith to their children? Or was this the historical pattern of humanity, that they have such a short memory of God’s grace? Whatever the cause, it is a reminder that we are always only one generation away from falling away from the faith. Parents, we must pass on the faith to our children. And we must pray to our Lord that He visits them with revival, so that they experience His mighty works for themselves.
May 2, 2013
Samson took God’s presence and power for granted, but when Delilah shaved off his seven locks, the Lord left him. Samson didn’t even notice… until it was too late. We shouldn’t wonder at Samson’s shortcomings. We can be just like him. When we step on the slippery slope of sin, we slowly slide away from God so gradually that we barely notice. Then one day, we awake and find ourselves in trouble, asking God where He’s gone! If God’s presence moved, would you notice?
April 26, 2013
This was Gideon’s response to the angel of the Lord who commissioned him to do battle with the Midianites– “I’m too little.” Isn’t that what we always feel when God calls? Because God doesn’t ask us to do something we can do. He always asks God-sized things of us. Attempting great things for God requires total dependence on Him and results in greater glory for God. God loves taking the little guy to slay a giant. What are you involved in that if God doesn’t act, it will totally fail? What God-sized callings are you answering? Stop living little lives. Listen for God’s big calling.
May 2, 2011
Samson didn’t even notice when the Lord’s anointing left him. We can make this mistake when we make our worship and ministry too man-centered. Don’t presume the Lord’s presence in your work. Instead, join Him in His. Would you notice if He wasn’t present in your life or church?
April 27, 2011
God often allows our strength to turn to weakness, so we aren’t confused about who saves. Are you going through a downturn? Turn to God for help. He loves working with those totally dependent on Him.