Scripture

By Olivia Saunders

Lesson text: Judges 2:16-23

Have you ever had a season of cycles? When we read the Bible, some tend to judge or say that they would never treat the things of God that way. As we read this lesson let’s take time to adjust our perspective and never forget where God has brought us from.

In the related scripture, Deuteronomy 9:1-8, we see Moses reassuring the people of
Israel, with a call to listen, and declaring the imminent conquest of Canaan. Moses
was encouraging the people that they were crossing over the Jordan, after
wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. God would cross before them as a
“consuming fire”. Judges 3:1-7, relates how God allowed the pagan nations to remain
in the territory of Israel. The nations would remain because God wanted to prove the
faithfulness of Israel to Himself, and to show and improve their reliance on Him.

Psalms 106: 34-48, relates how the Israelites came into the Promised Land. God
commanded them to destroy the Canaanite nations, living in the land. God wanted
them removed because of the evil influences, worshipping idols and sacrifices of
sons and daughters. Despite the judgement, God regarded their affliction and
remembered His covenant.

Synopsis

By Raufu Spagnoletta

The Book of Judges is a testament to God’s faithfulness and mercy to backsliding Israel. Even “if we are faithless, He will remain faithful” (2 Timothy 2:13). Though we may be unfaithful to Him, as the Israelites were, still He is faithful to save us and preserve us (1 Thessalonians 5:24) and to forgive us when we seek forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Yet, “be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

After the death of Joshua and his contemporaries, another generation arose that knew not the LORD, nor experienced His mighty works for Israel. They forsook the LORD GOD of their fathers and served Baal and Ashtaroth. The LORD’s anger burned against Israel and He allowed them to suffer defeat at the hands of pagan nations. Israel cried out and the LORD raised up His representatives the “Judges” to deliver them. This cycle of apostasy, oppression, repentance and deliverance became Israel’s pattern throughout the Book of Judges.

God is extremely patient with us when we sin and is ready to forgive. “God is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). During the time of the judges, the people had sinned so many times that their supposed repentance rang hollow. God knows our hearts and He knows when we are truly repentant. Scripture defines true repentance as godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10-11), a broken spirit and a contrite heart (Psalm 51:17), and produces fruit that is consistent with repentance (Luke 3:8a).

Practical Application

By Janice Hall

While reviewing today’s lesson, my focus shifted to the author’s comments and emphasis on the young people’s rebellion against the authority figures in their lives. I have been praying and reading daily the story of the prodigal son. There is a real life situation that I have been asked to intercede for, a father and son with the similar issues. We have been standing on the scripture in Psalms 91:1-4 (NLT) ”…His faithful promises are your armor and protection…”

The author stated, “Young people often rebel against authority and the people God uses to exercise it.” As continuing in prayer and studies, I heard the words of Prophetess Tacing, “those assigned to you…” At that very moment my prayer shifted from a prayer of supplication to a prayer of praise! My eyes landed on verse 14 of the same Psalms 91. “The Lord says,” I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those trust in my name.”

We are believing God for the miraculous. I look forward to sharing the powerful testimony of this young man. “For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us”. (2 Corinthians 1:20)