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"Where Do They Come From?" by Duane Brush
Judges 3:7 Thus the people of Isra’el did what was evil from Adonai’s perspective, forgot Adonai their God, and served the ba‘alim and asherim. 8 Therefore the anger of Adonai blazed against Isra’el, and he gave them over into the hands of Kushan-Rish‘atayim king of Aram-Naharayim; and the people of Isra’el served Kushan-Rish‘atayim eight years. 9 But when the people of Isra’el cried out to Adonai, Adonai raised up a savior for the people of Isra’el; and he rescued them; this was ‘Otni’el, the son of Kalev’s younger brother K’naz. 10 The spirit of Adonai came upon him, and he judged Isra’el. Then he went out to war, and Adonai gave Kushan-Rish‘atayim king of Aram into his hands; his power prevailed against Kushan-Rish‘atayim. 11 So the land had rest for forty years, until ‘Otni’el the son of K’naz died.
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In James A. Michener’s Korean War novella, The Bridges at Toko Ri, an admiral watches jet fighters being launched from the deck of an airplane carrier. Reflecting on the young pilots flying into harm’s way, he ponders, “Where do we get such men?” These were ordinary young men who, when pressed into the extreme demands of wartime, rose to the challenge.
Time and again in the book of Judges, we read that “the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD” (3:7). This led God to remove His blessing and protection, subjecting them to oppression by their enemies. Eventually, when they “cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a deliverer” (v. 9). Where did God find such men and women? Like Abraham and Moses before them, they were ordinary people whom God was able to use, sometimes in spite of themselves. The Spirit of the Lord came upon them, enabling them to do extraordinary things.
The God of the Bible rarely acts alone. He created Adam and Eve to care for His creation. He empowered judges, anointed kings and prophets, and eventually sent His only begotten Son. Even today, God works through common people to do uncommon things by His divine Spirit.
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Hymn for Today: "Give of Your Best to the Master" by Howard B. Grose
1. Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor
Into the battle for truth.
Jesus has set the example,
Dauntless was He, young and brave;
Give Him your loyal devotion;
Give Him the best that you have.
Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.
2. Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.
Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.
3. Give of your best to the Master;
Naught else is worthy His love;
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up His glory above.
Laid down His life without murmur,
You from sin’s ruin to save;
Give Him your heart’s adoration;
Give Him the best that you have.
Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.
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Thought of the Day: Luke 10:2 He said to them, “To be sure, there is a large harvest. But there are few workers. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the Harvest that he speed workers out to gather in his harvest.
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Please Pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Barbados.
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Please Pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Barbados.
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