God Gives & Takes Away 03.29.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Saturday March 29, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Judges. Please read Judges 18-19 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about the Danites forcing Micah's Levite to be their priest, attacking Laish and occupying it; and a concubine getting victimized. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that everything can be given and taken away, but God is Eternal.

More than 300 years had passed since Joshua led their forefathers to the promised land. When the promised land was distributed considerable territory was allotted to the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:40-46). But, submission and obedience to the will of God was missing. As a result, they did not succeed in defeating the inhabitants as God had commanded them to do.

However, the Danties sought another part of the land called Micah. "In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for unto that day all their inheritance had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel. And the children of Dan sent of their family five men from their coasts, men of valour, from Zorah, and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said unto them, Go, search the land: who when they came to mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, they lodged there." (Judges 18:1-2).

There is no indication that the tribe of Dan prayed for forgiveness for their sins or for guidance to do the will of God. Instead of fighting for the territory which God had appointed them, they chose to go north beyond the promised land. It was inhabited by a quiet, peaceful people whom they massacred indiscriminately men, women, and children. If they had remained in the territory which God had appointed them to possess, they would have been close to those who worshiped the One True God. Instead, on the way to their new territory, five spies from their tribe barged into the house of idol-worshiping Micah, stole his gods, and bribed his priest to go with them to fulfill their religious desires. "And the children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back unto his house. And they took the things which Micah had made, and the priest which he had, and came unto Laish, unto a people that were at quiet and secure: and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and burnt the city with fire. And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Bethrehob. And they built a city, and dwelt therein." (18:26-28).

Notice Micah's spiritual concern when his gods were stolen, "Ye have taken away my gods which I made and what have I more?" He thought he had lost the most important thing in his life. Micah illustrates a person who may be sincere but be sincerely wrong. This points out that whatever or whoever a person allows to be his supreme love becomes his god. It may be money, businesses, sports, cars, hunting, or fishing, etc. Nothing on earth which can be stolen can take the place of the True Eternal God. If Christ is truly first in our lives, at our loss we can say, "And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21).

We are reminded, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28).

Today's Psalm: 103:9
"He will not always chide (scold): neither will he keep his anger for ever."

Today's prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help our ears to be alert, our eyes to be open, and our hearts to be perceptive as we follow in Your ways. May we be eager to hear Your teaching and apply it to our lives so that we may be found blameless before You and experience the joy You give to those who follow Your commands. When Your meaning is clear help us to seek no other meaning to satisfy our own desires or to change the clear meaning of Your message. Align our desires with Your own, that we might find genuine peace and wholehearted obedience as You bring spiritual healing to our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray.....Amen.

Have a relaxing and wonderful Saturday and enjoy your weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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