Sermons

Sometimes things are not as they seem. In fact, this is often the case when God is at work. What can appear as a dismal failure might actually be a roaring success. This is nowhere more evident than at the crucifixion of Jesus. An event captured well by the interesting words of Joseph, centuries earlier: “What some meant for evil, God meant for good.” Perhaps Samson’s exploits were not as sad as we tend to think. Or perhaps they were, but were pointing to Another?

Samson is the only Judge whose birth is described. Remarkably it takes up an entire chapter of his story. What is most unique to his nativity is the plan of God to make him a Nazirite (not, Nazarene) from the womb. In an age of spiritual darkness and Philistine oppression, everyone is confused by the remarkable birth and ministry of this new saviour.

The six minor Judges scattered throughout the Book of Judges have a major role to play. While we do not know as much about them as we do the others, their stories help us to understand the dire straits of idolatry and the desperate need for a full-scale and eternal rescue. From Shamgar to Abdon, the same problem remains… we need a Saviour.

The story of Jephthah can basically be understood in one of two very different ways. One option is to see him as a rash and arrogant warlord. The other is to view him as a God-fearing saviour. Either way, the Lord felt it was important for us to both read and ponder this event in Israel’s history. Doing so should help us to understand even more clearly why it is we so desperately need a Saviour. Plus, the current preacher thinks Jephthah was one of the good guys.

Tenacity can be a great character quality, unless you are tenacious in your sins and constantly rejecting the warnings of God. For some reason, we can hold on to our silly belief that our idols will save us even though all the presenting evidence suggests the opposite. Judges 10 is something like a calendar with five pages on it covering many, many years. And it is not until we flip to the last page that we get any hope. Here is picture of what we are like at our worst. Let the reader beware.

As Jesus Christ lived in this world, He suffered and was tempted. Because He endured such difficulties, He is able to sympathize with us when we suffer and are tempted. In our sorrows we can have confidence that Jesus knows about our weaknesses, He cares about our weaknesses, and He reaches out to help us in our weaknesses.