Lofty. Restless. Ambitious. High. Mighty.
Abimelech surrendered to another god to save.
The ambitious Abimelech disrupted, destructed, debauched Israel. God raises up two quiet judges, Tola and Jair, who bend their shoulders to bear the burdens of these people (Gen 49:16). They came to this moment in history to rescue the Israelites from themselves---their idolatry---once again. God used both of these men to reform the land. MH. What a beautiful picture of servant leadership bending low. Oh to stoop in service to those who lord it over us.Yet, God had this One Thing against the Israelites. They forgot Him in the good times. They have forsaken the God Who heaped up the waters that they may cross into the land where they stand. God reminds them of all that He has done to deliver them out of Egypt, out of their own hands. These people actually surrender, giving up the idols they have attached to. Judges 10:15-16. Attaching to God---how long will this one last? May God detach us from anything that brings us comfort and joy and rest greater than Him. We hold our own idols in our hands. Jesus, bend our shoulders, break our hearts.
All to Jesus, I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me, Jesus, Take me now.
PRAYER FROM PSALMS
Psalm 113:6 Father, Thank You that You stoop to see what is in Heaven and Earth. You humble Yourself and care for each of us like we were the only person on the planet. What care! What regard! Thank you for what You are doing in each of our lives! Beyond words ...
OVERVIEW: Judges 10-12
Lord, I ask pray America knows You are God, salvation and protection comes from You. Our government is not Lord, it cannot save us and without you it cannot protect us.
ReplyDeleteJephthah's vow that he would sacrifice the first thing that came out of his own house if the Lord would give him a victory in battle has always troubled me. My own mouth is perhaps my greatest sinner of the members of my body.
ReplyDeleteOh, how our words, our promises matter to the Lord. There is no such thing as idle words.
Lord, guard our mouths and keep our hearts abiding in Your love.
Proverbs 12:18 ESV
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Matthew 12:36
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,
Proverbs 16:24 ESV
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Colossians 3:8
But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
Proverbs 13:3 ESV
Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
Matthew 12:37
For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Proverbs 15:1 ESV
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 21:23 ESV
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
James 1:26 ESV
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.
Psalm 19:14 ESV
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Jepthah's vow makes my heart break. I can't imagine sacrificing a child,and it was the result of a father's words.
DeleteI have spoken recklessly many times, and am working on my words, tone and facial expressions.
An even bigger issue for me is my thoughts. I am currently working on that, and whenever a negative thought about someone comes to mind, I mentally erase it. I have a long way to go!
Annette G, I often think of the words I've blurted out over the years - some intentionally, some not. Have Mercy Lord!
ReplyDeleteYou all encourage my faith. You blush at your sins. You look deeply at your own stuff rather than shifting blame, shifting sands. It's a joy to walk with you all!
ReplyDelete