4. Old Testament Walkers and Talkers

ix. Judges

Thinking

In the book of Judges, there are a number of occasions when God spoke to the people. For example, in chapter 1: 1-2, it is reported that after the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, "Who shall go up first for us against the Caananites to fight against them?" The Lord answered, "Judah shall go up; I hereby give the land into his hand."

As we read these words today in the 21st century AD, they are mysterious yet simple. How did the people approach God and ask for guidance? How did God reply to them? Were they given answers through a priest or a layman? At this remote point in time, we can only speculate about details. The lesson for us today seems to be that it is right for a group of people, as well as individuals, to seek God's will, and to seek an answer. Furthermore, on this occasion in the life of Joshua, God chose to answer and to guide his people about specific things and in specific directions.

Praying

Lord, I ask today for the faith to trust you for detail, and to be able to distinguish your voice of guidance from the clamour around. And for my brothers and sisters across the world, Lord, I ask that you will grow us into awareness of you so that to trust you for detail is natural and an unthinking response to external need.

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Thinking

In Judges 2: 1-3, there is reported a visit from an angel, who brought a rebuke to the people because they had disobeyed God. The angel spoke the words of God to the people. Again, we have no detail, and this is outside my experience, but it seems to be something that the people as a whole knew about. They accepted the authority without question.

Praying

How do you want me / us to respond to these words, Lord? I seem to be grappling in the dark.

Listening

My son, the details have been lost over time, but the principle remains and stands firm today. I have made a covenant with you all - now a second covenant in Jesus. It grieves me when people break it, but I will bless you abundantly if you walk with me and keep my word.

Praying

Thank you Lord, for drawing me to yourself.

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Thinking

In Judges 2: 20,21 there is a word about your anger. "So the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel; and he said, 'Because this people have transgressed my covenant that I commanded their ancestors, and have not obeyed my voice, I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations that Joshua left when he died.' " It is not clear to whom or how the words were given.

Praying

Again I'm struggling, Lord. What do you want me to take out of this?

Listening

You know the answer, my son. I am a loving God, but there is a time and a place for my anger. And when it comes it is real.

Praying

Lord, I confess to you now that sometimes we forget or weaken the importance of "fearing God" or "the wrath of God". I know you as infinite love, but also as justice. Teach me to match my actions with the prayer, "Your will be done" (Matthew 6: 10), so that I become totally aligned with you. And when I slip, Lord, help me to come to you early in confession, and to know your forgiveness. It is a fearful thing to know the anger of the Lord.

Listening

My son, this word comes to you and to each and every person who has made his or her commitment to me in Jesus. I receive you and want to wrap you in my love, for you are now family. And as you confess your sins to me, remember that when I forgive, I also forget. I want you to know my love, not my wrath.

Praying

Lord, when you give me a word like this, I just need to pause, to stop writing, and to bow in worship before you. You are a holy and awesome God. Accept my praise and worship today, for I love you very much.

Copyright Howard Smith 2002. All Rights reserved.

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