Again the Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight. They served the images of Baal and Ashtoreth, and the gods of Aram, Sidon, Moab, Ammon, and Philistia. They abandoned the Lord and no longer served him at all. [Judges 10.6]
Finally, they cried out to the Lord for help, saying, “We have sinned against you because we have abandoned you as our God and have served the images of Baal.” [Judges 10.10]
Israel was consistent in one thing: they repeatedly turned away from God.
However, in today's account of Israel's fall, God was not so quick to help them! This time God at first refused to help but later relented as He had mercy on Israel.
It is here we can see God's amazing love demonstrated to His own. It is here we see God's character.
The theme of what happens over and again to Israel is a lesson to us. Sin will inevitably come. Repentance can either come quickly or delayed - the length of delay usually determines the severity of the punishment. It is simply best to review our lives every day and repent of any and everything that offends God. But we must be careful however because we can sin in becoming proud that we constantly repent!
Again here today, we see that sin directly affected Israel's well-being. And, just as we learned here of God's character to forgive, we must also be mindful of sin's character to bring trouble upon our lives.
I think I see enough of a pattern here for me to think seriously about 'checking the mirror' when things start to go wrong in my life. I know there are lots of teachings out there about why bad things happen to good people, but who besides God can call anyone good or bad? Was not Job's story enough to teach us that?
Father, I want to remain mindful of the sinful nature that I must overcome each and every day. Help me to be faithful to examine myself daily and repent of those things that do not please You! Father, I want to walk and live in Your undeniable blessing!
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