March 30, 2013 (Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1 Corinthians 15)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “They forgot the Lord their God, who had rescued them from all their enemies surrounding them.” Judges 8:34 NLT
Observation: With God’s help Gideon led the Israelites to victory. They were delivered from all the enemies that surrounded them and there was peace in the land for about 40 years. The Israelites wanted Gideon and his sons and grandsons to be their rulers, but Gideon refused and said the Lord would rule over them! Yet as soon as Gideon had died the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping the images of Baal, making Baal-berith their god. They quickly forgot the Lord their God who had rescued them from all their enemies, nor did they show any loyalty to the family of Jerub-baal (that is Gideon) despite all the good he had done for Israel.
Application: How quickly we forget God when our enemies have been subdued. How quickly we put God on the shelf when everything is going our way. Oh how much like the children of Israel we are! How quickly the good works of a faithful person of God are forgotten and discarded after their passing. It seems the only thing people are loyal to these days are themselves. We wonder why terrible events take place in our lives. We wonder why after reaching the top of every mountain we only find ourselves in the valley once again. Could it be because we’ve forgotten God? Could it be because we have failed to be loyal to Him? Turn back to Him today and stay loyal to Him no matter the cost!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for the work You’ve provided for my hands to do. Thank You for delivering me and putting my enemies to flight! Teach me to be loyal to You, keep me from wandering astray! Remind me to be faithful at all times, remind me to trust and obey. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday, in Jesus name, Amen!