Judges 3

Scripture

 

“But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.”
‭‭Judges‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

 

“Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud, the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The people of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab.”
‭‭Judges‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

 

“After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed 600 of the Philistines with an oxgoad, and he also saved Israel.”
‭‭Judges‬ ‭3:31‬ ‭ESV‬‬

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

The Lord was angry with Israel for their disobedience. As a result, they suffered the consequences by being given over in slavery and bondage to Cushan-Rishathaim and Eglon, King of Moab.  The Israelites cried out to the Lord for help and the Lord raised up 3 people, Othniel, Enud, and Shamgar to deliver them, as a response to their cries. 

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

He is a holy and just God who punishes for disobedience, but at the same time is merciful when His children cry out to Him for help.The Lord's character consists of both judgment and mercy. One cannot exist without the other.

 

The Israelites continued to do evil in the eyes of the Lord by serving other gods. However, when they were suffering as a result of the consequences of their actions, they cried out to the Lord for help. Instead of turning Israel away and giving them what they deserved, the Lord was merciful and sent 3 saviors to deliver them from their bondage and slavery.

 

“For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭30:19‬ ‭ESV‬‬

 

“In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭120:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Life Application

 

The answer to our cries for help is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ has saved us from the bondage of our sins! 

 

He did not turn us away when we were helpless and dead to our sins. He did not turn us away when we continued to reject Him. Instead He sent His only Son to take the beating for our own wretchedness and past, present and future sins. Let us thank Him by worshipping Him.

 

In Higher Learning yesterday, Pastor Parker said the highest form of worship is obedience. Let us worship Him for our salvation by being obedient to what and where He calls us. Let us live in the freedom of His Spirit instead of in the chains of sin and bondage that we once knew, for He already took the weight of our sins upon Himself and paid our debt in full.

 

Thank You Lord for sending Your Son as our deliverer. Thank You for not giving us what we deserved, but instead showing us mercy and grace. We desire to worship You and show our gratitude through our obedience. Lead us Holy Spirit in your ways and in Your truth. Help us to walk in step with You so that we can experience true freedom. Amen. 

 

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

 

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-Michelle Gaddi