After Joshua dismissed the Israelites, they went to take possession of their own lands. But it was not long before those who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel, were gathered to their fathers, and another generation grew up, and they followed the various gods of the people who lived around them. In the Lord's anger for them, He handed them over to raiders who plundered them, and when they served Baal, He showed his anger, also, and sold them to their enemies all around. Whenever Israel went out to fight, the people did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
The Israelites, through God's strength, overcame many difficulties, in spite of Joshua's death. But the unholy but attractive life of the Canaanites proved more dangerous than their military did. Israel had to learn that no matter how powerful the commander, the people missed Joshua's spiritual leadership. Israel had to learn no matter how powerful or wise, a man must believe his real commander is God. We who are alive today, can read that the men who attempted to follow the will of the Lord concerning these events, was right. God does not play favorites. God is not partial; all people are eligible for God's gracious forgiveness as well as for his firm justice.
In order for our faith to survive and become one like Joshua's, one must practice it daily. It must penetrate every aspect of our lives. Beware of starting out strong and then getting sidetracked from your real purpose--loving God and living for Him. These things must be written on our hearts.
During this time of near faith-less-ness, God showed his great mercy by raising up judges to save the people from their oppressors. Mercy has been defined as "not giving a person what he or she deserves." This is exactly what God did for Israel and what he does for us. Our disobedience demands judgment! But God shows mercy toward us by providing an escape from sin's penalty through Jesus Christ who alone saves us from sin. When we pray for forgiveness we are asking for what we do not deserve. Yet when we take this step and trust in Christ's saving work on our behalf, we can experience God's forgiveness.
Tomorrow I would like to tell the story of a woman named Deborah who was an exceptional woman of her time and one of the Judges the Lord provided for Israel. She was not the first judge, but she was one who will be remembered!
Until then, keep keeping the faith!
Jo INMN
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