Today I read Judges 10, in which the Israelites cried for deliverance from the Philistines and children of Ammon. Today I considered people have to put away the sinful things to get God’s help.
Israel Cries for Help
When there were no judges, the Israelites sinned again and eventually cried out for deliverance (Judges 10:1-18). After Abimelech two men judged over Israel until they died, Tola judged for 23 years and then Jair judged for 22 years. After Jair died, the Israelites sinned, abandoned God, and served other gods. God was angry and allowed the Philistines and Ammonites to torment the Israelites for 18 years. The Israelites cried out to the Lord for help. God reminded them of how God previously saved them and that they have their other gods they can go ask for help. The Israelites put away the strange gods, served God, and God grieved for what they were going through. The Israelites gathered to fight and asked who would lead the fight.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
The Israelites cried to God for help, but God did not immediately help them. They were no longer only the Lord’s children. They had to put away the strange and false gods and serve the Lord first. After they were only God’s children again, God had compassion for them. Then God would be willing to help.
Is there anything you or someone you know needs to put aside to be the Lord God’s child and get his help?