Restored?

This week we reviewed all the major themes we covered in the book of Judges. Hopefully by seeing some of the crazy history of the Israelites and the spin cycle of their lives, we have learned more about how to live restored, obedient lives ourselves.

The big “but”

We started out by looking at how many reasons God’s people gave for not following his commands. The scripture is littered with the word “but” to show the extent of the Israelites disobedience. As we look at ourselves we probably should ask if we are doing the same.  Are we living lives of partial obedience?

The spin begins

In Judges 2:15-17 we see how the Lord raised up Judges to set his people free from the bondage of other nations – but they quickly forgot him! The Bible says they “prostituted” themselves to other Gods. The truth is when we lose track of where the Lord belongs in our lives we lose track of living the way we were designed.

Cry out

In Judges chapter 3 we see God’s people subject to another nation for 8 years – trapped by the consequences of their wayward lives. But in verse nine we read, “But when they cried out to the Lord, he raised up for them a deliverer”. It’s true for us still today. God responds to a broken and contrite spirit with grace and mercy.

IF

The story of Barak is one of a man who obeyed God’s plan, but only when his own conditions were met. In chapter 4:9 we see that this cost him the honor of the battle. We should always be mindful that conditional obedience may forfeit the full benefits that God would like to impart to us.

Reluctance

Gideon was a man called by God, but he was very reluctant to follow him! Gideon always wanted a sign, but his small faith grew as he obeyed. We learned from Gideon that even if we have a reluctant (but not defiant) heart God is able to use us and grow our faith!

Embracing faith

In Judges chapter 7 we see the rest of the story of Gideon. He’s not asking as many questions but embracing faith.
Sometimes it’s not that the circumstances get better but that our God gets bigger. Growing faith allows God to reveal his glory and sufficiency in us around us and through us.

Bold

In chapter 11 we read the story of Jephthah (Jeff). He’d been poorly treated by his people, but when the time came for God to raise him up he was bold and lead the nation. Sometimes today we try to be a part of our culture – but by God’s grace we can boldly follow him instead.

Heart

When we read the story of Samson and how he gives his heart and secrets to a gold digger named Delilah, we are tempted to think he’s gone mad. Yet we should look at Samson as an example of what can happen to us if we don’t guard our hearts. The reality is our destination will be determined by who or what we give our heart to.

Chaos

This story in Judges is probably something we wish wasn’t in the Bible- religion for hire, rampant violent sin and civil unrest. The reality is when we excuse or ignore God, we pave a path of chaos for our lives.

Restored

The story of Israel in the time of Judges is us. We often are on a spin-cycle of sin, disobedience, repentance, and devotion. Just like in the book of Judges our God is ready to rescue us. We might be reluctant or be half-hearted in our disobedience, but we serve a God that wants to come and restore us back to a heart for him. Do you feel cold-hearted toward God? Spiritually restless? Take a cue from the people in Judges and “cry out” and see his power!