Arise and Abide

Reading Judges 14:1-20 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The way God works through all things for his purposes, to draw people close to himself and to free them. It doesn’t matter if we resist or surrender, God’s purposes will prevail, so surrender and gain victory. Samson called to begin to set the people free from the Philistines, seems to want to join the Philistine culture. God used Samson’s desire for the Philistine woman to turn his heart against the Philistines. The stakes were higher for Samson. Samson begins to tun a corner. The spiral of deciding for ourselves and the goodness of God who brings us back.

Reading Judges 13:1-25 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Manoah wanting the experience, and to learn how to raise his child. God has already told his people how he wants them to live and the rules for the vow of a Nazirite. Even though the people are disconnected from God’s Word and His Ways, God is pressing in, working for their freedom. Isaiah 9:6, Wonderful Councilor, Might God. The way this judge, Samson, would be the beginning of the rescue. The anticipation in the stories that start with the parents who cannot have children. God answering Manoah’s prayer showed God’s graciousness and is a confirmation.

Reading Judges 12:1-15 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jotham’s curse repeating, this time the thornbush’s name is Jephthah. Ephraim’s prideful and aggressive message to and response to Jephthah only escalated the tension.  Jephthah coming form a place of grief and feels unappreciated for his efforts and all he lost as a result of the victory. We again see the results of prideful responses and how quickly humanity turns to violence. The people of Israel looking more the nations they were to drive out and now turning on themselves. Looking for their identity in their tribe and not in the LORD. The identity we have is as children of God, followers of Christ, lives that reflect Jesus’ life.  Identity issues and pride issues keep people from reflecting Jesus. We must surrender all and let His word have the final say.

Reading Judges 11:29-40 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Continuing Jephthah’s story. The Spirit of the LORD comes upon Jephthah, but he makes a vow that will reflect how the pagan practices have spread through Israel. Deut. 10:9, Never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. The Israelites no longer understood God’s character or His ways. Judges 10:16 was the turning point for Israel, Jephthah’s vow was unnecessary. Leviticus 27, specific substitutions to be made in the place of people. The picture of how far we spiral when we choose our will be done instead of surrendering all to the LORD, His ways, His Word. There is nothing we can do to pay for or earn the victory and salvation God has given. All God asks is for us to Love God, and Love People.

Reading Psalms 64:1-10 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David’s pattern in some Psalms, stating the need, calling on God for Help, and declaration of God’s might, faithfulness, and goodness. The imagery of his enemies sharpening their tongues. Deliberately using words to hurt others is a big red flag. The word’s spoken against the righteous will come back to those who spoke them. God always sees the things the wicked think are hidden. David, a man of faith, know that he must go to God for all things out of his control. From words of attack to words praising God. James 3:1-10. The power of the tongue to speak life, comes from the Holy Spirit.

Reading Judges 11:1-28 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jephthah was known as a great warrior and for having a band of “worthless rebels” following him. Gideon wanted the LORD to rule the people, Jephthah was enticed by the people’s offer of position and authority. Jephthah recognizes Israel’s history and recounts portions of it to the Ammonite king; Jephthah’s perspective of God however is askew. Jephthah forgot why God did all that had done for Israel, and without the why, there is no relationship. The mistake of putting someone prideful in a position of authority over your life. God wins victories with the humble, who keep God as their ruler. The prideful seek after that position.

Reading Judges 10:1-18 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The cycle continuing. The list of other gods the Israelites are serving has grown and have completely abandoned the LORD. People do what they think is the next best thing until it isn’t going their way. God gives us plenty of opportunities to learn His ways. Why keep turning to something that cannot rescue them. The place of humility that allows us to see our need of a Savior. Love God, Love People, Love your neighbor as yourself.

Reading Judges 9:22-57 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jotham had to wait three years before God moved on his behalf. Hamor of Shechem, in Genesis 33&34, when Dinah’s brother’s slaughtered the town for how Hamor treated her. The people should be looking to God for leadership. Gaal’s claim to leadership was that he was a son of the people who lived there before Israel moved into the land. Gaal used identity to cause division. We are united in Christ. People want to stand out as special in their identity apart from God, but God has shown us how special we are by his sacrifice.

Reading Judges 9:1-21 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Abimelech paid the thugs who helped him murder his brothers from the temple of Baal-Berith. Gideon’s family dynamic. Abimelech’s pride made him feel he was the one deserving to have the power. Abimelech wanting the title and position of authority. Your gifting and calling is of more importance than title and position. The people are so desperate to have someone lead them, they embrace someone who doesn’t produce good fruit. They wanted a ruler they could control and a god they could build out of wood. Jotham’s curse, the perfect picture of what the people had done.

Reading Judges 8:22-35 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The people are looking for a person to rule over them.  Gideon points them to God but them makes an Ephod and setting it up, allowing it to become a stumbling block for Israel. The focus went to this item instead of God. The covenant of devotion the Israelites made with an idol. Coming back to His sanctuary by intentionally putting our thoughts back on God and His presence with us.