August 28 -- "Face-to-Face"

Today’s Reading: Judges 6

"Face-to-Face"

The people of Israel have, once again, turned away from God.  Once again, the LORD delivered them into the hand of their enemy.  This time it was the Midianites who oppressed Israel for seven long years.  Because of the heavy hand of the Midianites, the Israelites took to hiding out in dens, and caves, in the rocks, in winepresses, in the mountains – wherever they could find.  The Midianites were particularly ruthless in their dealings with Israel.  They would destroy their crops, their flocks, and their herds leaving no sustenance for Israel. 

But, once again, Israel cried out to the Lord.    And, once again, the Lord sent a deliverer to rescue them.  The angel of the Lord came to a man named Gideon who – like the rest of Israel  – was hiding out from the Midianites.  Instead of threshing the wheat out in the open at the threshing floor, Gideon was threshing the wheat in the winepress hoping not to be spotted by the Midianites.

This is what makes the Angel’s words so unexpected.  The Angel finds Gideon hiding out and says to him, “God is with you, O mighty man of valor.”  Wait!  What?!  Are you talking to me?  I’m no mighty man of valor.  I’m a scaredy-cat.  I’m hiding down here in the wine vat because I’m weak and afraid.  I am actually the weakest member of my family – and my family is the weakest one in all the tribe.  You got the wrong dude!  But the Angel insisted, giving him a radical mission from God – “Go in this might of yours. I am sending you – yes YOU – to deliver your people!”  Then the Angel makes a promise that changes Gideon’s viewpoint completely – “I will be with you and you shall defeat the Midianites.”

After a bit more persuasion from the Angel, Gideon came to the stark realization that this was a genuine divine encounter with the Angel of the Lord.  He says in verse 22, “Alas, O Master God! I have seen the angel of God face-to-face!”  Wow!  A face-to-face encounter with a being from the Spirit world. (Many believe that this was actually a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ Himself – known as a theophany.)  From the moment of that encounter, Gideon became exactly the person God knew he could be – a mighty man of valor.

God saw in him a reality that Gideon didn’t even see in himself.  God saw that he could be more than a wimpering scaredy cat hiding in a winepress.  God knew that Gideon was destined for greater things.  Not because of any character trait of Gideon, but because of the anointing of God’s power upon his life. 

God sees in you a reality that you don’t even see in yourself.  God sees that you can become more than you ever have.  God knows that you are destined for great exploits for His kingdom.  Not because of any natural abilities of your own, but because He will empower you and He will be with you.  Answer the call.  Crawl out of your insecurities and fears.  And trust the Living God to make your life a powerful witness for Him.  God is with YOU, O mighty man/woman of valor!

 

 

August 27 -- "Melody to the Lord"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 5

"Melody to the Lord"

This is the song of Deborah and Barak.  It is a song of victory.  But more than that, it is a song of praise to the God who gave them victory.  Deborah and Barak’s song of praise recalls the dramatic activity of God, the initiative of the leaders, and the willing service of the people which together produced the spectacular victory over Jabin, Sisera, and the military forces of Canaan.  One writer called this song "the finest masterpiece of Hebrew poetry" that "deserves a place among the best songs of victory ever written."¹

The opening stanza gives the reason, as well as the call, to bless the Lord.  Their melody to the LORD praises Him for three reasons: the leaders led, the people served, and God brought the victory. 

They “bless” the LORD that the leaders took the lead in Israel.  The word “bless” in Hebrew means to kneel as an act of reverence.  They were truly thankful that God put it on the hearts of the leaders of the nation to get up and take action.  This outcome wasn’t always assured.  You remember from chapter 4, that it took a strong exhortation from Deborah to get Barak, the military leader, to get up and get going.  Now, they are thankful that God gave him the grace and courage to do so.

They also bless the LORD that the people “offered themselves willingly.”  Oh, what a blessing it is when we experience a grassroots rising of God’s people to service.  In every thriving church, there is always a strong army of servants among the congregation.  The leader cannot do it him/herself.  The people must be willing to offer themselves to get into the fray and take ground from the enemy.

The remainder of this melody to the LORD is praise for His personal involvement in the battle.  They didn’t fight alone.  God intervened and gave them the victory.  He showed Himself strong on their behalf.  And for that, they are truly thankful.

Thus we see three elements that are necessary for the success of any ministry: strong leadership, willing servants, and God’s power.  When these three elements converge, we too will be singing and making melody to the Lord for His victory.  “To the LORD I will sing; I will make melody to the LORD, the God of Israel.”

 ¹Robert H. Pfeiffer, Introduction to the Old Testament

August 26 -- "Up!"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 4

"Up!"

Inciting someone to good works is a practice that is honored and encouraged throughout the Bible.  Hebrews 10:24 commands us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” There are moments for all of us when we get down and discouraged or when we draw back when confronted by a strong enemy (sin, the flesh, the devil).  In those moments, we need someone to incite us to get up! 

In today’s reading, we have one such exhortation.  Barak, the commander of the Lord’s armies, was down.  He was discouraged and was drawing back because Jabin, the king of Canaan, had amassed an intimidating military arsenal.  We are told that Jabin had cruelly oppressed Israel with his nine hundred iron chariots for twenty years.  Barak was intimidated by this show of force, and was down – really down. It is likely that he was suffering some form of depression or, at least, despair.  His sadness had led to hopelessness and dejection.

Deborah was a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth. She was judge over Israel at that time.  She sent for Barak and said to him, “Get up!  It has become clear that God, the God of Israel, commands you to go to Mount Tabor and prepare for battle against Sisera, the leader of Jabin’s military forces.”  This appeal to Barak was Deborah’s way of inciting him to pull out of his discouragement and get back to doing what God had called him to do.  Barak, still feeling down and discouraged, said to Deborah, “If you go with me, I’ll go. But if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.”  Oftentimes, it is easier to pull out of our periods of discouragement when a fellow believer is by our side supporting us and keeping our head in the game.  This was one of those times. “I can’t do this alone,” says Barak, “I need your support.”  Deborah, moved by her faith in God, assured him that she would be with him.

Deborah’s word to Barak was, “UP!”  You’re down, but get UP.  You’re faith is waning, but get UP. Deborah reminded Barak that the LORD would be marching before them.  By faith, she declared, “This very day God has given you victory over Sisera.”  At the moment when Barak was at his lowest, when he thought defeat was certain, God was exhorting him to get UP and trust Him for the victory.

We all face downturns.  We all go through times of sadness and discouragement.  We are sometimes intimidated by the forces against us.  Sin will flex it’s muscles and say, “you’ll never defeat me.”  But we should never give up. Don’t yield yourself to despair.  Don’t listen to the lies of darkness.  Right at those moments when your defeat seems certain, the LORD says to you - “Up! This very day I have given you victory!”

August 25 -- "A Deliverer Rescues Israel"

Today’s Reading: Judges 3 

"A Deliverer Rescues Israel"

The Lord allowed Israel to be defeated by an enemy nation and taken into servitude.  The people of Israel were in servitude to Cushan-Rishathaim for eight years.

Then, the people of Israel cried out to the LORD and He raised up a deliverer who rescued them, Caleb’s nephew Othniel, son of his younger brother Kenaz. The name “Othniel” means lion of God.  We don’t know much about Othniel, except that “the Spirit of God came upon him” and he rallied the nation.  They went to war and the LORD delivered Cushan-Rishathaim into their hand and they were freed from servitude. This was God’s doing.  "The Spirit of Yahweh" came upon Othniel’s human spirit, enabling him to accomplish what his natural strength could not. After that, the Nation had peace for the next forty years.

It was in answer to Israel's cry that the LORD raised up Othniel as their "savior."  Not only did Othniel lead the people to military victory, he led them back into a right relationship with God. They once again honored the LORD.  The corruption of the people had led to their oppression, and now their repentance leads to their rescue. 

Othniel became the first of some fifteen “Judges” that would govern the Nation over the next 400 years.  These were not judges in the sense of a magistrate or one who presides over courtroom judicial proceedings.  These judges were temporary and special deliverers, sent by God to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors.  Each time the Israelites came to the “end of themselves” and turned back to God for deliverance, they called upon Him and – consistent with His character and promise - He sent a rescuer to deliver them. 

There are two lessons we can learn from this.  The first is that even the most corrupt nation is eligible for God’s mighty deliverance.  If any society will humble themselves and pray, and turn from their wicked ways, the Almighty Deliverer will send deliverance and victory to that society.  As God promised, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me." Psalm 50:15  The second lesson is that God can do mighty things through only one person upon whom is His Spirit.  Jesus said, “apart from Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5) but when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you can do “all things through Him who strengthens us.” (Philippians 4:13)

If you are open to it and allow God’s Spirit to take control, you too can do mighty works – perhaps even deliver a nation! 

August 24 -- "A Generation Without God"

Today’s Reading: Judges 2 

"A Generation Without God"

They started out so well!  

Under Joshua’s leadership, the people of Israel had committed themselves to fear God, worship Him in total commitment, shun idols, follow the commandments, and serve only the LORD.  Joshua had even given them a clear choice – serve God or serve the false gods of the society around them.  They chose the LORD!  Even after Joshua’s death, the very first thing they did was to inquire of the LORD, seeking His wisdom and guidance for their nation.  The people worshipped God throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the time of the leaders who survived him, leaders who had been in on all of God’s great work that he had done for Israel. It all seemed to be going so well.

Eventually that entire generation died and was buried. Then another generation grew up that didn’t know anything of God or the work He had done for Israel.  And that’s when it all came crashing down!  The younger generation strayed from their commitment to God and began a downward progression toward apostasy. They began to do evil.  They served the Baal-gods and the Ashtarte-goddesses.  They deserted God and their parents. They took up the worship of the “gods” of the people around them.  At eventually, their true God, Yahweh, was provoked to anger.  So much so, that He removed His hand of protection from them and they became helpless before their enemies.

Thus begins a cycle of faith-deteriorating-to-apostasy that would repeat itself within the Nation for the next 400 years. And it all seems to begin with a “new generation” that didn’t know anything about the LORD or His relationship with Israel.  Somewhere along the way, the parents and grandparents failed to impart to their children the truth of God.  So, the children grew up being influenced by the cultural “norms” of the society around them.  Rather than “bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4), the parents allowed the influences of the world to get into their children’s souls and minds.  The results of this are predictable – they end up going after “other gods” and bowing down to them and worshipping something – or someone – other than the LORD.

It has been said, “We cannot continue to send our children to Caesar for their education, and be surprised when they come home as Romans” (Pastor Voddie Baucham). The society around us will influence our children and, if we’re not diligent, will lead them away from God.  Oh, how important it is for each generation to protect their children from the secular influences of the society around them.  Failure to do so can lead to a course of action that ultimately leads to spiritual defeat.  

The enemy is after our children and we must stand in his way!

August 23 -- "Inquiring of the Lord"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 1

"Inquiring of the Lord"

The beginning of a new era has arrived for Israel. The book of Joshua ended with the people settling in the land, but there were still many areas left unconquered. Some enemies remained, and they had yet to claim all the territories that God had promised them. Sadly, Joshua, their leader, passed away, leaving them to continue without his guidance. Now, they must complete the task of occupying the Land, as God had pledged to them.

Before Joshua's passing, he passionately urged the people to fear God, worship Him wholeheartedly, reject idols, obey His commandments, and serve only the LORD. It was an exciting time filled with anticipation and hope. Imagine, a society chosen by God, founded on His principles and laws, and fully devoted to His leadership. This could be the start of something incredible.

The people began well. The very first verse of Judges tells us that they sought guidance from the LORD. They wanted to know the strategy for the upcoming battles and who should lead them in driving out the remaining people in Canaan. They had observed Moses and Joshua doing this for years – seeking God's guidance and wisdom. So, they followed the example of their late leaders and humbly asked God for direction.

Seeking God's guidance is crucial for those who follow Christ. Whenever we need to make a decision, big or small, it is essential to turn to God for His wisdom and direction. Sometimes, we may think a particular course of action is right, but when we seek God's guidance, He may show us a different path. We must learn that correct decisions are not always based on human reasoning, emotions, or passions. Even if we feel strongly about something, God's will may differ from ours.

Inquiring of the Lord involves more asking and seeking His heart rather than simply making requests for ourselves. While petitioning is telling God what we want Him to do for us, inquiring is asking God what is on His heart, what He wants us to pray for, and what His will is. Praying in this way honors God and helps us understand His desires. By humbly inquiring of the Lord, step by step, point by point, we can sense His leading and follow His direction.

August 22 -- "Who Ya Gonna Serve?"

Today’s Reading: Joshua 24

"Who Ya Gonna Serve?"

Many historical figures have certain phrases or quotes closely associated with them. Alfred Lord Tennyson, for example, is credited with saying, “Tis better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.”  Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.”  Forrest Gump said, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.”  

Each of these memorable quotes have a way of sticking with us and defining our view of the person who said them.  In today’s key verse, we come to the most memorable and defining quote of Joshua’s life and legacy, “Choose this day whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”  This quote is remembered today as one of the most important and most defining quotes in the entire Bible.

These are Joshua’s final words to Israel before his death at the age of 110 years old.  This defining quote sets before all of us a choice.  Will we serve the LORD, and Him alone?  Or will we continue to serve other so-called “gods.”   Joshua called together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. Then Joshua addressed all the people. He reminded them that their ancestors were idol worshippers.  But the LORD rescued them when He took Abraham out of his pagan society and led him to a new land.  

The LORD rescued them again when He sent Aaron and Moses to deliver them from slavery in Egypt.  He rescued them again during their long sojourn in the middle-eastern desert.  Once again when He parted the Jordan River.  And again when He granted them victory over the enemies in the land.  God handed them a land for which they did not work, towns they did not build, and vineyards and olive groves they did not plant.

But in spite of all the LORD’s mighty works in reaching down and saving this nation, they were still vulnerable – still in danger of – falling back into their old idol-worshipping ways. So Joshua warns them and presents them with a clear choice: If you decide to worship God, then get rid of the gods and idols your ancestors worshiped on the far side of the river –or-- if you decide that it’s a bad thing to worship God, then choose a “god” you’d rather serve.  Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond the river, or one of the gods of the Amorites, it’s up to you.  But whatever you do, CHOOSE – do it TODAY.

There’s no time to dawdle with this matter.  They must choose their path TODAY!  Don’t put it off any longer.  Don’t think you can sit on the fence.  You must make a choice and you must make it right now.  When the people heard the choice laid out for them, they proclaimed, “We’d never forsake God! Never! We’d never leave God to worship other gods. The LORD is our God!” Today, you are faced with the same choice.  Will you abandon the false “gods” and idols in your life and follow fully after God?  Anything that you love, treasure, prioritize, identify with, or look to for need fulfillment outside of God, can be acting as an idol in your heart and life.  Do you serve success? Or wealth? Or your image?  Or social acceptance?  Or work?  Or some pet sin in your life?  If so, you have a choice to make: “Choose this day whom you will serve.”  Serve God - and Him alone – or stick with your lifeless idols.  

There’s no time to dawdle or delay – you must choose TODAY!  But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!