Scripture Text: Judges 10:6-16
"Go and cry out to the gods whom you have chosen; let them save you in the time of your distress."
Judges 10:14 ESV
After enjoying 45 peaceful years in the land (vv. 1-5), the people of Israel, once again, abandoned the Lord and no longer served Him. They worshiped and served other gods, which led to them being oppressed by the Philistines and the Ammonites for eighteen years. Their stubbornness and disobedience to the Lord caused them terrible distress. That's why they cried out to God again.
But the Lord challenged them, saying, "Go and cry out to the gods whom you have chosen; let them save you in the time of your distress" (v. 14).
The Lord's heart always breaks because the people of Israel continue to disobey Him. The Lord was grieved for the misery of Israel until now, yet God remained benevolent towards the children of Israel even though they constantly disobeyed.
The Word of the Lord continues to remind all the peoples that:
The gods of the world cannot do what God can through Jesus Christ because our Lord is alive and true. He died and rose from the dead and is seated at the right hand of God the Father. God has given Him the authority both in heaven and on earth.
The gods of the world cannot comfort the people. Only God through Jesus Christ can comfort distressed people through the help of the Holy Spirit as our Comforter.
The gods of the world cannot provide for the needs of the people. Only God through Jesus Christ can provide all our needs because He is our great Provider and the only source of all things.
The gods of the world have no capacity to save people from physical and eternal destruction. Only God through His Son Jesus Christ can save people because He is a true Savior.
The gods of the world do not reward faithfulness because those gods are powerless. Our God is just, and He rewards those who are faithful to Jesus Christ.
Faithfulness to God through Jesus Christ is a necessity for every Christian (meaning no other gods). When we are experiencing troubles, difficulties, distress, or a dead-end situation in our lives, we must immediately go and cry out to God, talk with Him, and pray earnestly to Him. This is what He wants and expects from us as His children.
Therefore, everyone needs Jesus Christ because He alone is our God, Friend, Savior, King of all kings, and Lord of all lords (Rev. 19:16). He is worthy to be worshiped and praised, and the assurance is that no one can snatch us, His children, from Him (John 10:28-29).
Reflect
When you are in distress or trouble, what do you do first? To whom do you go to first? We have God to turn to; do you first cry out to Jesus Christ when you are experiencing distress or troubles?
Remember
In Christ, we have life and no destruction, but people without Christ are like walking dead.
Read
Deuteronomy 4:15-40; Galatians 4:8-9; John 10:23-38; 1 Corinthians 8:5-6
Pray
Father God, I praise and thank You, for we always have You to turn to when we are in trouble. Thank You for Your throne of mercy and grace, which is open to us 24/7. Thank You for Your never-ending love. May we seek You first and You alone. In Jesus' name, Amen!
Comentários