Judges 10:1-18
They abandoned the Lord and no longer served him at all (Judges 10:6, NLT).

The thoughts that come to my mind whenever I read the story of the Israelites and their relationship with God, is  that we are cut from the same flesh. We are children of the same mother because that is how we relate to God too.

When the going is good we neglect God or reduce our commitment and walk with Him. But when we are in crisis or in need of a breakthrough, we will return with fasting and prayers. Yet, our father is merciful. What He wants from us is a committed and consistent walk with Him.

After the death of each leader, the people always went back to idol worship, their favourite being Baal and Ashtoreth. These were male and female gods. Their devotion to these gods was like that of their pagan neighbour. While “they abandoned the Lord and no longer served him at all”, God was grieved for them.

However, because of His love He could not continue to watch them in their distress. We are told, “And His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel” (Judges 10:16). He planned their rescue from the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites. Friend, let us not continue to live this way. Let us hold on to the Lord and remain faithful to Him, when we do, it will be well with us. Shalom.

Your Turn

• Thank God for His love and mercies towards us.
• Confess your inconsistency and lack of commitment to the Lord. Ask for the grace to be faithful in your walk with Him.

Hymn: Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty.

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 2