February 4 – Judges 2:16-23

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February 4 – Judges 2:16-23

16 Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them. 17 Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they whored after other gods and bowed down to them. They soon turned aside from the way in which their fathers had walked, who had obeyed the commandments of the Lord, and they did not do so. 18 Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them. 19 But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them. They did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways. 20 So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he said, “Because this people have transgressed my covenant that I commanded their fathers and have not obeyed my voice, 21 I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations that Joshua left when he died, 22 in order to test Israel by them, whether they will take care to walk in the way of the Lord as their fathers did, or not.” 23 So the Lord left those nations, not driving them out quickly, and he did not give them into the hand of Joshua.

These scriptures remind of us of how God tried to give them help in the form of judges.  Verse 16 states these judges were used of God to save them out of the hand of those who plundered them. Verse 18 tells us that 18 Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. God’s provisions were evident but as humans, the Israelites chose to do their own thing. Verse 23 states, 23 So the Lord left those nations, not driving them out quickly, and he did not give them into the hand of Joshua.

Tough times and consequences resulted for the Israelites. I would like to think that I am so much better than the Israelites when it comes to obedience but upon honest reflection, I learn I am no different. How about you? Think about your life and where you are in your relationship to the Lord today.

Heavenly Father, help me as I struggle with the enemy who constantly works on me to make decisions that don’t reflect my love for You.  Help me not give in to to the world who has given in to the enemy and his dark ways.  Help me be a light to those who need You, those who don’t know You but are seeking to find the right way.  You are the only way.  You are the truth.  Help me live by Your truth in all I do.  Thank You, Father for giving us a way to find You.  Thank You for pursuing us and loving us.  Thank You for Jesus, our Savior, our Lord and our Redemption.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen!

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