DATE POSTED Sunday, 2022-05-22
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Judges 3:7-9
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: ⁷ The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight. They forgot about the Lord their God, and they served the images of Baal and the Asherah poles. ⁸ Then the Lord burned with anger against Israel, and he turned them over to King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram-naharaim. And the Israelites served Cushan-rishathaim for eight years.
⁹ But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, the Lord raised up a rescuer to save them. His name was Othniel, the son of Caleb’s younger brother, Kenaz.

APPLICATION: A child will test their parents while trying to evaluate how far they could go in disobedience before being disciplined. But isn’t that what we continue to do as adults also? While driving our highways in the US, we strongly believe that State Troopers will not bother with us if we exceed the speed limit by no more than 5mph. So we look at the established speed limit, let’s say 55mph, and then we set our cruise control at 60mph. Are we breaking the law? Absolutely, for we are exceeding the established speed limit. At work we tend to consider it ‘OK’ to snitch a few paper clips or rubber bands, without considering it to be a sin. Or, perhaps, we may never feel it to be inappropriate to clock in and wander around chatting with our friends for a half hour before seriously getting down to work. But isn’t that ‘stealing’ from our employer? I find it so interesting that God thought to document His laws and His commands in His Book – the Bible. It was not enough for us to be taught His teachings at home, in Sunday School, or while around family members. So we can also read His Word and be reminded of every command issued by God, for our good! As we consider these things today, let us not be so quick to judge the Israelites, for we are very much like them. But what do we do about this? Well, God wound up punishing the Israelites for their disobedience, and he brought a 8-year sentence on them, under the rule of a foreign king. How do you suppose God has chosen to punish us? Is it Covid? Is it the threat of a nuclear war? Is it the ‘out of control’ desire and abuse of guns in every-day fights and squabbles? Some of the most outrageous crimes are being committed today – in total disobedience to God’s commands. From killing of babies, to selling humans into slavery, to killing other humans to reap their organs for sale on the open market. Our world has truly gotten out of hand, and because of the sin that abounds, it is extremely challenging for us to live in peace anymore. But the Israelites found peace when they pleaded with God for deliverance from their sin. This same God is still available to us today, if only we will turn from our sin, humble ourselves, and pray. He can also rescue us from the miseries of this old sinful world, and deliver us to complete peace and harmony through His Son, Jesus Christ. If you are reading this devotional and have not met Jesus and accepted Him as your personal Savior, let me encourage you to read my Footnote carefully. There’s a link to a page (To Know Jesus) that I would encourage you to visit and learn more about this.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Although God was very angry with the Israelites for their sin and disregard of His orders, yet He was quick to forgive and provide a Rescuer when they asked for help! What a forgiving, loving and awesome God that we serve!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for being such an understanding Father, and forgiving us when we bow before You. In spite of the sins of the Israelites, yet You quickly provided them a way of escape and a means to live in peace. Praise God, You are still the same today as You’ve always been, so our minds are at peace in knowing to whom we belong! Please continue to bless us and provide peace to us through the ‘storms’ of life here on earth. May we always fix our eyes on You, the author and finisher of our faith! AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!