Judges 2:10-23
Because the new generation of Isaelites chose to ignore the Law of God they not only lost out spiritually, they were also politically oppressed.
Having a Bible in our homes does not mean that we are right with God; we must read and obey the commands of God in it. We may not realise it, but by choosing to 'read' the Bible in a way that is not correct but suits us, we make an idol of our 'liberation' from the restraints of the Bible that God put in place to correct, warn and guide us.
Although I know I am not 'under law but under grace', I will never advocate the abandonment of the law, for it is essential to having a well-ordered society. In this I follow, as fully as I can, the example of Jesus who fulfilled every requirement of the law. I know that He did it for me so that I don't have to hassle when I (often) fail to keep some aspect of the law. Hallelujah!
Some question why God allows trouble to come to His people. In this chapter we see that every time the Israelites hit spiritual rock bottom the judges appointed by God would point them to the way out, confession of sin against God, whereupon God forgave them and helped them defeat their neighbours.
In a similar way, when we sin, God allows troubles to come upon us so that we are made aware of our disobedience. While we don't sin, He is our protective shield. When we sin we, in effect, say we don't need God's protection. Once the protection is removed Satan, who is always waiting to attack us, is able to do so. So it is not God Who sends trouble our way; we lay ourselves open to trouble!
Judges 3:1-31
Our faith will be tested or 'proved' by God. I believe, from what I read in many scriptures, that the greater the trial we are able to endure the greater will be our eternal reward. God has His servants who are ready to trust Him for power against their enemies. One was the judge, Othniel. While he was alive there was peace in the land, for Othniel led the way in worship of God. But as soon as he died the people again sinned against the Lord. This shows that too many lean on strong men for spiritual guidance. We should always lean on the Lord, rather than other men, even the most sincere believer (Psalm 118:9).
Luke 22:14-34
Jesus concedes that men consider the one 'waited on' as greater than the one who waits on him. But Jesus says He is one who serves.
Jesus tells Simon Peter that He has offered a special prayer for him. Why so? My guess is that Peter was too arrogant; he needed to 'fall'. Once restored, he will be able to share his experiences with the rest of the disciples, so strengthening their faith. In the Christian faith, experience is important; it is a great teacher.
Psalm 92:1-15
As always, we succeed by letting God live through us (v.10).
Psalm 93:1-5
God controls all nature, and can use it to our benefit.
Proverbs 14:1-2
It is very difficult for me to imagine that there are those who actually despise God, but if the Bible says it is so, then it is so. Is it a case of being arrogant, thinking you are stronger than God? Or that He can't do anything to you becauseyou don't believe in Him?
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