Speaker: Dave Nelson

Theme: Judging Others

Weekend Music links on iTunes: Happy Day by Tim Hughes; The Time Has Come by Hillsong; Let God Arise by Chris Tomlin; The Stand by Hillsong.

Read:  Judges 2:6-23

Think:  The reading today is based on a section of the Old Testament book of Judges.  In this passage we are told that, “the Lord raised up Judges (word could be translated leaders) who saved Israel out of the hands of the raiders.” The present generation “knew neither the Lord, not what He had done for Israel…they forsook (to leave entirely, abandon, desert, reject) the Lord, the God of their fathers.”  They followed and worshipped various gods of the peoples around them. 

God’s chosen people had chosen people over God.

What compassion the Lord had as He watched their downward spiral under those who oppressed and afflicted them.  Continually God looked for hearts to obey and serve Him.  Yet, the people refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways. 

Judgment came through a series of men and even a woman appointed by God.  These attempts at rescue were thwarted by the very ones needing rescue. They were ignorant of their rich past.  The Scripture states the present generation did not know the Lord and what He had done for them.  It is safe to say we live in a similar day.  The present generation is naïve regarding Biblical illusion, characters, principles and terminology that once was common knowledge.  We who represent Jesus have a responsibility  to know God’s message and impart it to others.  This knowledge comes through study, worship and fellowship. It is our mission to keep God’s message alive and available to all.  In the context of the original role of “Judge” we have the same calling; we too are leaders in our communities raised up to save others out of the hands of The Enemy.

Do:  Balance boldness and love in your interactions with others.  A timely word could be the difference between living under oppression and affliction or living in peace and deliverance.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father thank you for your compassion when our hearts are hard and we are disobedient.  Thank you that you pursue us with a pure love that desires an eternal relationship with us.  Fill us with your Truth that we may be vessels of hope for those who do not know You.  Amen.

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

4505 236th Ave. NE • Redmond, WA 98053 • 425-869-4400 • info@timberlakeonline.org