The Book of Judges

Greetings to all, 

Three people come to mind as I finished the Book of Judges.  Deborah, who was a prophetess and rose in ancient Israel as a female judge, whose multiple leadership functions demonstrate the possibilities for any women who will allow God’s Spirit to fill and form her life.  The other two are Gideon and Sampson who are more recognizable.

The Book of Judges illustrates the disastrous consequences of breaking fellowship with God through idolatrous worship.  Sin separates us from God.  The Lord requires commitment from His people.  When we commit sin, the Lord in His love chastises us until we come to full repentance.  When we cry out to Him, the Lord faithfully responds to us.  He forgives us, brings deliverance to us, and restores fellowship with us.

The Lord is our Judge and our Deliverer.  He is able to do impossible things.  Just as He appointed deliverers and empowered them with His Spirit to do exploits, He is able to provide us with His Holy Spirit and to use us to bring deliverance to those who are bound in sin and despair.  He responds to the cry of a repentant heart.  The Lord is faithful and His love is constant.

The Book of Judges graphically portrays the character of the Lord in His dealings with the children of Israel.  In righteousness, the Lord punished them for their sin; but, in His love and mercy, He delivered them in response to their repentant cry.  Though the judges are called the deliverers or saviors of the people, God ultimately is their Savior.  “God is the Judge” (Psalm 75:7 But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another).  He is “a just God and a Savior” (Isaiah 45:21 Tell and bring forth your case; Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me).

Humankind’s need of a divine deliverer or savior is emphasized in the Book of Judges.  Throughout history, God’s people have sinned.  God has always delivered His people from oppression when they repented and turned their hearts toward Him.  God in His love for us sent His Son Jesus Christ as our Deliverer and Savior to redeem us from the bondage of sin and death.

2 Timothy 4:8  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Acts 17:31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

Blessings,

Tony

The Book of Joshua

Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2012 8:20 AM

Gang,

I thought I would share a tidbit as I go through each book of the Bible. I hope you enjoy. Joshua The Book of Joshua teaches that the fulfillment of God’s promises of blessing to Israel depend on their cooperation. The blessings of victory, inheritance, abundant provision, peace and rest all came to the people of God as they obeyed Him. Faithful meditation on His Word and faithful obedience to His commands are the key to blessing and abundance. Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Also, Joshua called the people to a life of obedience and faith. Joshua 22:5 But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Today, this abiding trust provides a clear foundation for our growth and blessing. As surely as blessing follows obedience, judgment follow disobedience. Achan’s sin reveals the principle that no man lives to himself (ch. 7) but the sin of one affects the lives of many including our children. Obey and He will bless our children. Proverbs 20:7 The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. God hates sin and is just as faithful to punish the disobedient as He is to bless the steadfast. These principalities of blessings and cursing are object lessons for us on our pathway to maturity. Joshua’s life and leadership demonstrated that spiritual maturity is not independence from God, but responsive dependence on God. To be victorious, we must surrender to Him; to lead others, we must follow Him.

The Book of Joshua provides other valuable lessons: attitudes essential for God-given victory; principle of leadership; the fatal result of pride; the relevance of memorials; God’s faithfulness to His Word; examples of His miracle power.

Blessings to you,

Tony Sanchez