February 14...

Judges 4–5

Who Is Your Relationship With?

Yesterday we started reading about a rough time in Israel’s history. Unlike the time of Joshua when the Israelites remembered God, trusted Him, and obeyed Him … the time of the judges showed a very sad pattern.
1. Israel would forget God and fall into sin and idolatry
2. Israel would become enslaved
3. Israel would cry out to the LORD
4. God would raise up a judge/leader (not a court judge who dealt with legal issues, more like a military leader)
5. Israel would be delivered
6. Israel would experience peace and rest and would serve the LORD
7. THEN THE CYCLE WOULD REPEAT

After Ehud delivered the Israelites, there was 80 years of peace and rest.

Then in Judges 4:1 we see the phrase that is repeated throughout the book of judges: “The Israelites once again did evil in the eyes of the LORD …” Over and over this cycle repeats itself.

Each time God would put a judge or leader in front of His people and this person would remind them of His ways, but when the leader died, the people would wander off again to their old ways. The problem? The Israelites never developed a personal relationship with the LORD. Instead they relied on others to be their go-between with God.

Our relationship with God can’t be a relationship with a spiritual leader.

Deborah came on the scene and rescued the Israelites – just as Othniel (3:7-11), Ehud (3:12-30), and Shamgar (3:31) had. But she was one more on a list of judges/leaders who delivered Israel, but did not result in a lasting change in the hearts of the people. It was not the fault of the leader. It was the fault of the people.

Think of the people who have impacted you spiritually. Think of the people who have reminded you of God’s ways and challenged you to obey Him. These people have been brought to you by God. They are trying to bring you to a personal relationship with God. If these people suddenly die or are removed from your life, don’t repeat the cycle of sin we see in Judges. Lean on God. Remember all He has done for you. Thank Him for blessing your life with such special leaders. And receive rest and peace – and serve your LORD.

Who is your relationship with? Your leader or your LORD?

Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."