-------
"A Desperate Plea to God" by John M. Nielson
Judges 6:1 But the people of Isra’el did what was evil from Adonai’s perspective, so Adonai handed them over to Midyan for seven years. 2 Midyan exercised its power harshly against Isra’el, and because of Midyan the people of Isra’el hid themselves in mountains, in caves and in other safe places. 3 One time, after Isra’el’s sowing season, Midyan, with ‘Amalek and others from the east, attacked them. 4 They set up camp by them and destroyed the produce of the country all the way to ‘Azah; they left nothing for people to live on, no sheep, no oxen, no donkeys. 5 For they came up with their cattle and tents, and they came in as thick as locusts; both they and their camels were beyond numbering, and they came into the land to destroy it. 6 Isra’el became very discouraged because of Midyan, and the people of Isra’el cried out to Adonai.
7 When the people of Isra’el cried out to Adonai because of Midyan, 8 Adonai sent a prophet to the people of Isra’el, who said to them: “Adonai the God of Isra’el says, ‘I brought you up from Egypt, out of a life of slavery. 9 I delivered you from the power of the Egyptians and from the power of all your oppressors. I drove them out ahead of you and gave you their land. 10 And I said to you: “I am Adonai your God; you are not to be afraid of the gods of the Emori in whose land you are living.” But you paid no attention to what I said!’”
-------
Their situation was desperate! They hid in caves without crops or cattle, without government or defense. The Midianites had ravished their land. They were full of “whys.” Yet, the fault was theirs! They were supposed to be governed by God, but they had rejected Him and disobeyed His commands. They had turned to the pagan idols of their neighbors.
God was faithful! God sent an unnamed prophet with a message. It was a reminder of His past deliverance. It was a rebuke because they had not listened to Him. It was also a remedy: The Lord would send a judge to lead them, just as He had done before. Their future was hopeful. Their responsibility was to be faithful to God and follow His chosen leaders.
We also face difficult situations. We often ask "Why?" Sometimes, it is our fault. Even then, God is faithful, as he was to Israel. Let us find assurance in reminders of His past blessings. Let us accept His rebuke and mend our ways. Let us adopt the remedy He offers through His Word, His Spirit, and the servants He uses to meet our needs. We, too, will then experience a hopeful future.
-------
Hymn for Today: "The Shall Be Showers of Blessing" by Daniel W. Whittle
1. There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.
Refrain:
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
2. There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.
Refrain:
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
3. There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honor Thy Word.
Refrain:
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
4. There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!
Refrain:
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
5. There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way.
Refrain:
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
-------
Thought of the Day: Isaiah 45:22 Look to me, and be saved,
all the ends of the earth!
For I am God;
there is no other.
-------
Please Pray: For developing Christian leaders in Dominica.
-------
all the ends of the earth!
For I am God;
there is no other.
-------
Please Pray: For developing Christian leaders in Dominica.
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment