September 11 -- "When The Spirit Departs"

Today’s Reading: Judges 16

"When The Spirit Departs"

Yesterday, we read of the amazing moment when the Spirit of God miraculously and powerfully came upon Samson. Today, we read of the tragic moment when that same Spirt left him.

In spite of Samson’s amazing gift from God, he had little respect for either his Nazirite vow or the Israelite law. He handled a dead lion, married a Philistine woman and joined in the customary wine-drinking feasts of the Philistines. As a result of his carelessness with the things of God, the Spirit’s power was removed from him.  “But he did not know that the LORD had left him.”  He was blind to the departure of God’s Spirit.  And it ended tragically for him.

This presents us with a powerful life lesson about presumption - a self-confidence that can cause a person to presume that God is still with them when, in fact, He has departed. There is a spiritual kind of a blindness that afflicts people especially if they are fooling around in the enemy's territory, trying to play around with sin, playing games on the enemy's field. It is possible for you to stray from God and to get out and isolated, away from God. You can get so caught up in your activities that you're not really aware of the fact that anointing, that power of God is no longer upon your life.

Samson was blind to his own spiritual state. It is possible to be self-deceived about your own spiritual state. Samson had the potential of going down in the history books as one of the mightiest and most glorious of all the deliverers of Israel. His name could've been alongside of David's and Samuel's, the marvelous deliverers of Israel. But he could not conquer his own passions, his own lust.  And it led to the LORD removing His anointing.

This is why we are exhorted repeatedly in Scripture to humble ourselves before God and constantly be on the lookout for pride and presumption creeping into our lives. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) Never presume upon God.  And never handle the gifts and callings of God carelessly.

September 10 -- "When The Spirit Rushes In"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 15

"When The Spirit Rushes In"

Verse 14 says, “The Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him.”  In other translations, this phrase “rushed upon” is translated as “came powerfully upon” (NIV); “came mightily upon” (KJV); “took control of” (HOL); “came over” (GW).  No matter how you say it, this was a phenomenal and powerful move of God’s Spirit upon Samson granting him astounding physical strength.

When the Spirit of the Lord rushes upon someone, some pretty amazing things begin to happen.  Here in Judges 15, the Spirit enabled Samson to break the ropes off his hands like they were powder and strike down an army of Philistines with a donkey’s jawbone.  Elsewhere in Scripture, we see the Spirit’s rushing power enabling people to do amazing supernatural feats: Saul mustered three hundred thousand Israelites for battle (1 Samuel 11:6-8); David was anointed as Israel’s king (1 Samuel 16:13); Azariah preached a powerful sermon (2 Chronicles 15:1); Balaam prophesied (Numbers 24:2); Jahaziel pronounced great words of encouragement (2 Chronicles 20:14). Every one of these actions were beyond the “natural” abilities of the person. Every one of these actions were enacted by a supernatural power that can come only from God.

Everywhere in Scripture where we read of the Holy Spirit coming upon people, we see unusual and unexplainable events take place.  In the New Testament we read, “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:2-4)  Unusual and unexplainable - the sound of rushing wind. Wildfire. Speaking in tongues. And an unexpectedly bold Gospel presentation by a coward, the Apostle Peter.  Wow! What unusual and unexplainable phenomenon. 

That’s what happens when God’s Spirit comes upon a person.  They are enabled to do things that they could not do in their human strength.  This is how God enables people to accomplish His great purposes. And when His Spirit rushes in – watch out!  Unusual and unexplainable events will arise.

What is that “thing” that God has put on your heart to accomplish for His kingdom? What ministry is calling you? Don’t attempt that thing in your own strength or human effort.  Instead, listen to what Jesus told you to do, “wait for the promise of the Father.”  Wait upon Him and in His perfect timing “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). You, too can experience the Spirit rushing upon you resulting in unusual and unexplainable power happening in your life.

September 9 -- "Clueless Parents"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 14

"Clueless Parents"

His father and mother had no idea that God was behind Samson’s attraction to a young Philistine girl.  His parents very “properly” opposed Samson’s marriage to this Pagan woman. "Aw come on, Samson, there are plenty of beautiful Israeli girls around here, why do you have to go down and fall in love with a Philistine?"  But the Scriptures tell us that God was in it and Samson’s parents had no clue.  The Lord had an agenda to achieve and He would use Samson’s marriage to this Philistine girl to further His plan.

It is not unusual for God to leave parents “out of the loop” when He begins to move in their children’s lives.  And sometimes the child’s actions may seem “improper” to the parents when they don’t recognize the hand of God in the situation. 

I know someone who was raised in a “proper” church setting. Her parents were devoted church-goers and they always attended the same denominational church.  They were heavily involved in the life of their church – volunteering for many ministries and participating in virtually every church activity.  When their (now 18-year old) daughter came home and told them she was now attending another church in a nearby city, they were shocked and dismayed. They had no idea that God was behind this.  It all seemed so “improper” to them. Especially because this church was new in town and didn’t follow all of the prescribed doctrines and practices of their denomination. They did their best to discourage this change in their daughter’s life, but God was up to something and they just couldn’t see it.

As their daughter attended this new church, her life changed dramatically as the Holy Spirit began a new work in her life. She was “born again” after accepting Christ (a practice her parents’ church frowned on).  She began to study the Scriptures.  She got involved in ministry.  And she got to be part of what we now call “the Jesus movement” – one of the greatest moves of God in our generation. God was behind this girl’s decision to “change venues.”  But her parents had no idea. So stuck in their “proper” ways, they failed to see the handiwork of God right before their eyes. 

Parents, it is indeed your job to raise your child in the ways of the Lord and to protect them from being led astray. But don’t put God in a box and falsely believe that He will always work the “proper” way you’re used to. Sometimes He does new things – in a new way. It may just be His plan to keep you “out of the loop” as He begins an amazing work in your child.  So, if you’re a parent - engage in prayer asking for God’s discernment.  You may just find that God is on the move.  And if you’re the child – don’t be afraid to move in the direction God is leading, even if your parents may find it improper.  Just be sure you are following the leading of the Spirit of God.

September 8 -- "When God Stirs"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 12 & 13

"When God Stirs"

What a blessing this must have been for Samson’s mom and dad.  They had sacrificed for him, and prayed for him before he was born and as he grew up.  And now, they could see the blessing of the LORD begin to come upon him.  The Spirit of the LORD began to stir him.  Oh, what joy this brings to any Christian parent!  Watching their child be stirred by the Holy Spirit.  There comes a time in every child’s life when his/her parents can only stand back and watch as God’s Spirit begins to move in their child’s life.

Samson was a man who was born into a godly family, whose miraculous birth was announced by a visit from an Angel, and upon whose life was a specific calling from the Lord.  So, in His perfect timing, God began to stir him. The Hebrew word for “stir” here is “pa’am” which literally means “to agitate; to thrust; to push.” God’s Spirit began to “thrust” Samson.  He was pushing Samson into ministry, urging him to step up and assume the Divine calling upon his life. 

It is a blessed thing to have the Spirit of the Lord stirring in your life. You can’t describe it, but you can feel it – sense it.  It is a spiritual sense that comes upon you that you cannot ignore.  It is a sense of unrest that pushes you to say, “It is time to start. It is time to move forward. It is time to get things done!”  This sense of stirring happened when you first accepted Christ at the urging of the Holy Spirit upon your soul. As the Holy Spirit convicted you, your heart was stirred and you, by faith, were born again into a new life in Christ.  What an amazing and precious day that was!

This same sense of stirring happens again when the Holy Spirit is calling you to do a work for His kingdom.  In His perfect timing, He will urge you, agitate you, and push you forward to a new service for Him.  Don’t ignore the stirring of God. (Actually, you couldn’t even if you tried.) Think of it!  God loves you and has a wonderful purpose for your life.  Everything that has happened to you has led you to this point.  And now, God stirs you.  Listen to that persistent tugging on your heart that just won’t go away. Get up and do it!  It is time!  Let God thrust you into fulfilling His purpose for your life.

September 7 -- "Jephthah's Foolish Vow"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 11

"Jephthah's Foolish Vow"

It is a tragic story.  Jephthah made an impulsive vow to God. It was a vow that was not required by the Law of Moses. Nor was it a vow that God would accept.  It was a rash and foolish vow. “Lord, if you give me a clear victory in battle, then I’ll sacrifice to you whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return."

Jephthah went off to fight the Ammonites. And God gave him victory in battle. He beat them soundly.  When he returned home and saw his only daughter come out of the door of his house, he suddenly realized the foolishness of his vow.  What had he done!?!  He realized in that moment the thoughtlessness of his promise.  It was careless.  It was hasty.  It was contrary to God’s heart.  And it resulted in a dreadful situation.

Jephthah, believing that he must now keep his vow, proceeded with plans to carry it out.  But, was he actually required to keep this thoughtless vow?  I am convinced that God did not require this vow from him in the first place, nor would God require him to fulfill it. Tragically, Jepththah carried out his word.

So, how does this ancient account apply to our lives today?

First, think before you speak: Jephthah's vow was made in the heat of the moment, without careful consideration of the consequences. Let us learn to take a step back and think before we make any commitments to God or others. Seek counsel from wise and mature believers if necessary.

Seek God's will: It is essential to seek God's guidance before making any significant decisions or promises. Instead of impulsively vowing something, spend time in prayer, seeking God's direction and asking for His wisdom.

Be slow to vow, but quick to fulfill: Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 advises us to be careful when making vows before God. If we do make a promise, we must honor it diligently. God takes our words seriously, and our integrity is on the line.

Grasp the significance of commitment: Vows are not to be taken lightly. Understand that God holds us accountable for what we promise to Him. Therefore, it is better not to make a vow than to make one and fail to fulfill it.

Understand the impact of our promises on others. Tragically, in Jepththah's case, it was his daughter who paid the price for his foolish vow. His impetuous promise deeply affected other people he loved. We must never let our actions impact negatively on others.

Lean on God's grace: We will all make mistakes and may have previously made hasty vows. In those moments, turn to God's grace, seek forgiveness, and learn from the experience. God is merciful and understanding and if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.

September 6 -- "I Will Save You No More"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 10

"I Will Save You No More"

It is the most frightful thing imaginable... when God refuses to save.

In the Book of Judges we are following 300 years of the history of Israel - from the time of the death of Joshua until the time of Saul, their first king.  We are now about halfway through this period of judges.  Throughout the lives of these judges, Israel’s behavior follows a consistent pattern:  Israel enters a time of peace and rest → The people of Israel then fall into evil and idolatry → Israel is defeated at the hands of their enemies → In despair, the people turn back to God and call out for Him to rescue them → God sends a leader (judge) to save them → Once again they enter a time of peace and rest.  And then… this cycle repeats over-and-over-again.  So far, we have seen this cycle through their first eight judges:  Othniel, Ehud, Shagmar, Deborah, Gideon, Abimelech, Tola, and Jair.

Today, we come to a very frightening moment during one of these cycles.   The people of Israel have fallen so far from God that He tells them, “I'm fed up and I will save you no more.”  Essentially, the Lord is telling them, “Look! I’ve had enough!”  He goes on to remind them of the many, many times He rescued them in the past – from the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, the Sidonians, the Amalekites, and the Maonites.  “I delivered you from each of these nations, but now I am FED UP!  I just won’t do it any more.” The Lord then drives His point home by advising them look elsewhere for help. Let your false ‘gods’ rescue you this time. I won't do it.  “Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen; let them deliver you in your time of distress.” 

This encounter with God brings up an terrifying issue – can someone reject God for so long and so persistently that God eventually turns His back on him/her and refuses to help?  The answer to this is, “yes.”  The Bible speaks of a person with a “reprobate mind.” The phrase “reprobate mind” is found in Romans 1:28 in reference to those whom God has rejected as godless and wicked. They “suppress the truth by their wickedness,” and it is upon these people that the wrath of God rests.  For them there is no remedy.  It is a terrifying moment when God says to them, “I will save you no more.”

Fortunately for Israel, they hadn’t actually reached this point yet.  From verse 15 on, we read that the children of Israel came to their senses and repented of their evil and confessed their sin. We are told in verse 16 that God’s soul “could no longer endure the misery of Israel.” His deep love for His people moved Him to act on their behalf. So, their kind and merciful Lord has mercy on them and rescues them once again – sending them a new judge, a man named Jephthah. Once again Israel enters a time of peace and rest.    

September 5 -- "When God Repays Evil"

 Today’s Reading: Judges 9:22-57

"When God Repays Evil"

There are times when people do evil and there seems to be no consequences for their actions.  This reality troubled Job who asked, “Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power?” (Job 21:7)  It also grieved Asaph who said, “For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Psalm 73:3)  The truth is that sometimes evil goes unpunished – at least in this lifetime.

There are other times when evil people are repaid by God swiftly and decisively.  Chapter 9 of Judges records one such instance – when God returned evil upon Abimilech for his arrogant, corrupt, and brutal takeover of Shechem.

You remember that Abimilech wanted to be crowned as ‘king’.  So, he enlisted the help of some mercenaries from Shechem to murder his 69 brothers in cold blood.  Fortunately, one brother, Jotham – the youngest, escaped the treachery of these men.  Following his escape, Jotham shouted down his rebuke upon the people of Shechem.  During his scathing message, Jotham pronounced a curse upon Abimilech and the Shechemites.  He said, “If you have done an evil thing in choosing Abimilech, then let fire come down and devour the leaders of Shechem and Abimelech.”

In due course trouble arose among Abimelech and the Shechemites.  In due course, God repaid them for their evil.  In due course, Jotham’s curse was fulfilled.  Abimelech’s uncontrolled rage and lack of caution soon brought about his own death. The Shechemites who supported him were also destroyed, as Jotham had predicted.  The evil that they did against Gideon's sons was repaid by God.

That the men of Israel would ever follow such a man as Abimelech provides a sad commentary on the moral and spiritual level of God’s people at that time. This is what incomplete obedience to God’s Law and compromise with His enemies produces - a poor choice of a leader and God’s retribution for evil.  This is why we must take our duty of choosing leaders very prayerfully and carefully.  If we choose well, our nation will prosper.  If we choose poorly, we invite the judgment of God.  Maybe not immediately, but in due course, God will repay evil.

"Fret not yourself because of evildoers, do not be envious of wrongdoers.  For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.” (Psalm 37:1-2)  God will ultimately repay all evil done by unrepentant and unbelieving people.  Sometimes in this life.  Sometimes in the life to come.  But make no mistake – evil actions by evil people do not escape the watching eye of our Creator.