READ: JUDGES 2:16-23; 10:15; 17:6

In the book of Judges, God’s people are spinning in a sin cycle—rebellion, repentance, rescue, and restoration. They cycle twelve times, once for each of the twelve judges within the book. And if we look closely, we’ll probably see ourselves in the story.

Rebellion. The people rebelled against God. Instead of obeying Him, they followed their own way. We’ve all believed the same lie at times: “If it feels good, do it.” And Israel did. The Bible says that “in those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 21:25).

Repentance. But following their own way got them into deep trouble. Desperate, they repented and cried out for a Rescuer. We see this in Judges 10:15: “But the Israelites said to the Lord, ‘We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.’”

Rescue. God saved them! In His great love, He sent twelve judges—like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson—to rescue them from their enemies. Judges 2:18 says, “Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies.”

Restoration. The verse goes on to say, “The Lord relented because of their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them” (Judges 2:18). Because He loves His people, God restored them to Himself. In the same way, God loves you and wants a relationship with you.

Sadly, whenever a judge died, the people circled back to rebellion. It was a spinning cycle of death. No judge could save them or restore their relationship with God forever. Only Jesus can. Jesus is our Great Judge. God in flesh came to pay the price for our sin on the cross so we could be forgiven. He rescued us from the spinning cycle of sin and death, and He restored us to a forever relationship with God. There is no sin too big that He can’t forgive, or too addictive that He can’t break through and give you freedom. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus broke the power of sin and death. And He gives you the power to live free. • Lenae Bulthuis

• Isn’t it good to know that God is with us moment by moment? Think about it: if you know Jesus, the Creator of the entire universe is with you right now. And He will never leave you. When you feel afraid, or hurt, or worried, or alone, He’s there. Always. He loves you, and He wants to help you know His love more and more (Ephesians 3:14-21). Can you think of a time you were acutely aware that God was with you? What was that like? Consider taking a moment to thank God for His constant presence with you, and ask Him to help you notice some of the ways He is showing kindness to you today.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)