Victory in Christ

In the book of Ruth we see what seems to be another instance of God’s providence at work.  After Naomi’s husband and two sons died, she said that “the hand of the LORD has gone out against me.” (Ruth 1:13)  Little did she know that Jesus would be born thru the lineage of her daughter-in-law Ruth. (Matthew 1:5) Naomi was going back to Bethlehem and she told both of her daughter-in-laws to go back to their home country.  Orpah did as she was told to do.  “But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)  It sounds like the influence of Naomi is what brought Ruth to the one true God.  We may not know the level of influence we have on others, but we can make sure that influence is a positive one.  (1Corinthians 7:16)

Today’s reading: Ruth 1-4

Here we see the book of Judges ending with that same phrase repeated: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25) The Proverb writer warned us about doing what is right in our own sight. “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12) He even warns of a generation having that same idea. “There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness.” (Proverbs 30:12) Instead, we should live by the words from Jeremiah; “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. O LORD, correct me, but with justice; Not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing.” (Jeremiah 10:23-24) 

Today’s reading: Judges 19-21

In this section of the book of Judges is a statement that gets repeated at the end of the book.  “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6,21:25)  In between these two verses we read of a lot of evil that was done and what could happen when a nation has no rulers.  We do not always agree with our government and the laws of the land, but we are commanded to obey them as long as they are not contrary to God’s word.  “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Rom 13:1)  He does not control them like puppets, but His providence works no matter what men do.

Today’s reading: Judges 16-18

We may be like Samson’s parents and not always understand God’s ways. “His father and mother did not know that it was from the LORD, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines. At that time the Philistines ruled over Israel.” (Judges 14:4) But we can be assured that His ways are ALWAYS better than our ways!  “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! “FOR WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD? OR WHO HAS BECOME HIS COUNSELOR?” “OR WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM AND IT SHALL BE REPAID TO HIM?” For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33-36) 

Today’s reading: Judges 14-15

Manoah is probably not a name you easily recognize, but what about his son, Samson?  We know the story of how strong Samson was and that he lost his strength when his hair was cut off.  Well before Samson became this strong man, his mother was approached by an angel who said “Behold, you are barren and have not borne children, but you shall conceive and bear a son.” (Judges 13:3)  When she told her husband Manoah what had happened, he did what we all should do: “Then Manoah prayed to the LORD and said, ‘O Lord, please let the man of God whom you sent come again to us and teach us what we are to do with the child who will be born.’” (Judges 13:8)  We cannot expect God to send us an angel, but He will answer our prayers for guidance.  That guidance will come with study of His word and living a life in service to Him.

Today’s reading: Judges 10-13

At times it may seem like the evil ones of this world are winning, but God is and has always been in control. He works in His own time and His ways are the best ways. “And God also made all the evil of the men of Shechem return on their heads, and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.” (Judges 9:57) Paul thru his letter to the Romans tells us that we must let God handle these battles for us. “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19-21 ESV) 

Today’s reading: Judges 8-9

Gideon was about to lead his army to fight the Midianites.  God wanted fewer men to go to fight so He could show His power.  What method did he use to decide who would go fight?  The first way was just to ask who was scared and let those people go home.  The number of men remaining was still too many so He then narrowed them down by how they drank water.  “So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, “Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink.” (Judges 7:5)  If you had been asked to choose 300 men to go to battle how would you have done it?  I doubt any one of us would have used this method.  We do not always understand exactly the reason He does things, but just like in this battle we see that His ways work out for the best every time.  “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1Co 1:25)

Today’s reading: Judges 6-7

Barak was supposed to go to battle, but he wanted some help. “And Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!” (Judges 4:8) Deborah went with him because she knew that was God’s will. All of us have probably been on both sides of these situations at some point in our life and should always be willing to help when the opportunity arises. “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Romans 15:1) 

Today’s reading: Judges 3-5

The Israelites had moved into the land that God had promised them.  There were certain responsibilities that they had been given.  “and you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall break down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed my voice. What is this you have done?” (Judges 2:2)  Did it really matter that they did not completely follow His commands?  Even though we may not understand how or why, the commands of God have purpose.  It did not take too many years for the Israelites to be influenced by the people who were living around them.  “And they abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went after other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed down to them. And they provoked the LORD to anger.” (Judges 2:12)  God knew that the power of influence could pull His people away from Him.  There are several verses throughout the Bible that give us that same warning.  Here are a few examples: 1 Corinthians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Psalms 1:1, Psalms 26:4-5, Proverbs 13:20, Proverbs 14:7, Proverbs 22:24-25

Today’s reading: Judges 1-2

We read many times in God’s Word about the influence of a good example. “Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had known all the works of the LORD which He had done for Israel.” (Joshua 24:31) “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” (Philippians 3:17) Of all the examples that we can know or read about, there is only one perfect example and that is the one we must follow. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:” (1 Peter 2:21) 

Today’s reading: Joshua 22-24