Lacking God's Word 03.22.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Saturday March 22, 2008 and today we are beginning our study on the book of Judges. The book of Judges contains 21 chapters and is the 7th book in the Old Testament. Samuel wrote the book for the people of Israel and the purpose of the book is to disclose the historical record of the "Rule of the Judges" which began after the death of Joshua. The book of Judges shows that there is a divine pattern of chastisement designed to turn God's people from sin to salvation. It gives the history of the Israelites for about 300 to 450 years. The name of JUDGES comes from the 12 men and one woman whom God raised up to judge and govern Israel.

Please read Judges 1-2 in your Bible or Click Here to read, in today's study we will read and learn about Judah chosen to lead wars; Israel fails to drive Canaanites out; an Angel of the Lord's rebuke; and Joshua's death. Today's message focuses on the importance of obedience to the Word of God.

The Israelites were chosen to reveal the One True God to the idol-worshiping nations and to glorify Him by being obedient to His Word. The first few verses of Judges give us a sense of high hope for the total conquest of the land as begun by Joshua. "Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand. And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him. And Judah went up; and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men." (Judges 1:1-4).

One by one, Canaanite cities were defeated by the Israelites, hoewever a new era in the history of the 12 tribes began soon after which caused Israel to be defeated by Canaan. The Lord's command to complete the conquest of Canaan was not fulfilled because of the people's compromise with the pagan inhabitants of the land. "And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim: And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger. And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth." (2:10-13). The Israelites chose to do what they thought was more "humanitarian" and created a peaceful coexistence with the enemies of God. Perhaps they argued: "How could a God of love destroy 'innocent' people? But, the concept of innocence disappears when we see sin for what it really is and see that false gods are robbing God of love and worship and are deceiving people so that they will be eternally lost. "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15)

The reason for every failure is lack of obedience to the Word of God. The tribe of Judah was the first to go up against the Canaanites and for a time, the men of Judah walked by faith and conquered. When they forsook the Lord, they gave up their faith. They are a reminder of how easy it is to get excited over our personal interests that occupy the time that should be given to the Lord. Without realizing it, some today have created another god and often use the Lord's Day and His tithe to enjoy their new god of leisure or entertainment.

Many people believe that in order to receive God that they must give up living life, but the truth is God wants us to enjoy life, but He also wants us to put Him first. Choosing to put God before worldly entertainment only blesses us with even more great things.

In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed through the Angel of the LORD. "(Judges 2:1,4). The Angel of the LORD is understood to be the Lord Jesus Himself preincarnate, for He speaks as God Himself. "Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am." (John 8:58).

Today's Psalm: 96:13
"Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with a new day and thank you for the mant blessings that you give me each day. Forgive me Lord, for the times where I placed leisure before you. Because I choose to follow You I want to obey Your Law rather than the conflicting laws of human origin; I want to hear Your voice rather than the conflicting voice of others; I want to yield to the guidance of Your Holy Spirit rather than the prevailing philosophy of my day. I choose to follow You and I want to do so no matter the cost. Make me strong enough, courageous enough, and prayerful enough that I will stand even when others fall. When it feels as though I am standing alone remind me that You and I are a majority. When I stand up for You I stand in victory no matter the temporal consequences. It would seem that Jesus was defeated in His physical death and the seeming hopeless days that followed. But His triumph came when He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven where He sits at Your right hand interceding for us. Remind us that obedience is required today that we might experience victory tomorrow. In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen.

Have a great Saturday and Easter.
God Bless,
Christina

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