Judges 3:7-11
But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, the Lord raised up a rescuer to save them. His name was Othniel, the son of Caleb’s younger brother, Kenaz (Judges 3:9).

Who would have thought that Israel would disown and disobey God whom their fathers loved for centuries to go after others- Asherah and Baal? When they did, they got into trouble. God was not happy with them. He allowed a heathen king to fight and enslave them. Life became miserable for them. Sin, like fire, burns.

Realising what they had done and the pain of the suffering they were going through, they cried out to God and God heard them. He sent them a deliverer who became the first Judge. This story set the tone for the most part of the book. The Israelites would sin, God would punish them. When they cried to Him, He would hear them and save them.

Othniel became the first Judge. Through prayer and God’s help, He led them to war and they won. The aftermath of this victory was that the land had peace for forty years. As long as Othniel was alive, the people remained loyal to God.

Friend, rather than look at this book as historical one, let us see ourselves in the stories and begin to ask questions about our walk with God. Have we replaced God with other gods too? If we have, it is time to cry to the Lord to have mercy and save us. Let us pray.

Your Turn

• Talk to God about the state of your heart and walk with Him.

Song: Great is Your mercy towards me.

Wisdom for the Day: Proverbs 29