Judges 2:1-5
Today's Passage: Judges 2:1-5
“What did you think was going to happen!?” is the sentence I heard said to me, or Jennifer and I have said to our children following a poor choice. We did something we were told not to and got punished or hurt because of it, reaping the very results we were told would happen if we did.
In Judges 2:1-5, Israel is reaping the consequences for their disobedience. They had turned toward the Canaanite gods, after literal decades of God pleading with them not to. Disobedience always has its consequences, seen or unseen, felt or unfelt. God will not be mocked or a secondary receiver of worship.
“But you have not obeyed my voice.” (v. 2)
“So I will not driven them out, but they will become thorns in your sides, and their god will be a snare for you.” (v. 3)
This was the anger (messenger) of God letting Israel know of their rebellion. (v. 1) Thankfully, Israel’s response was fitting:
…the people lifted up their eyes and wept.” (v. 4)
“And they sacrificed there to the LORD.” (v. 5)
Repentance is the only right response to disobedience. It shows our allegiance is to God and that sin is a big deal to Him. The good news is, since Jesus Christ has become that cleansing (atoning) sacrifice for us by His death on the cross, we don’t need to offer sacrifice. We just need to turn back.
Maybe the most important and beautiful part of this verse set is verse 1, because it gives the reason WHY repentance/change is the only appropriate response.
“I brought you up out of Egypt and into the land that I swore to give to your fathers. I said, “I will never break my covenant with you…”
God is unbelievably faithful. Even in spite of our unfaithfulness, He remains true to His covenants and promises. Even when we forsake Him, He does not forsake us. Even when we go after other gods, He does not cast us out. He will never break His covenant with us. THIS is the catalyst for repentance, God’s faithfulness.
Think on the words of 1 John 1:9, especially if you’re broken fellowship with God recently and gone after something else: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” That promise is still in full effect and because He is unchanging, it always will remain true.
He forgives. He makes new. Although we might have to face some consequences of our disobedience, one thing we know we as Christ followers will never face is: unforgiveness.
Written By: Drew Dukes
“What did you think was going to happen!?” is the sentence I heard said to me, or Jennifer and I have said to our children following a poor choice. We did something we were told not to and got punished or hurt because of it, reaping the very results we were told would happen if we did.
In Judges 2:1-5, Israel is reaping the consequences for their disobedience. They had turned toward the Canaanite gods, after literal decades of God pleading with them not to. Disobedience always has its consequences, seen or unseen, felt or unfelt. God will not be mocked or a secondary receiver of worship.
“But you have not obeyed my voice.” (v. 2)
“So I will not driven them out, but they will become thorns in your sides, and their god will be a snare for you.” (v. 3)
This was the anger (messenger) of God letting Israel know of their rebellion. (v. 1) Thankfully, Israel’s response was fitting:
…the people lifted up their eyes and wept.” (v. 4)
“And they sacrificed there to the LORD.” (v. 5)
Repentance is the only right response to disobedience. It shows our allegiance is to God and that sin is a big deal to Him. The good news is, since Jesus Christ has become that cleansing (atoning) sacrifice for us by His death on the cross, we don’t need to offer sacrifice. We just need to turn back.
Maybe the most important and beautiful part of this verse set is verse 1, because it gives the reason WHY repentance/change is the only appropriate response.
“I brought you up out of Egypt and into the land that I swore to give to your fathers. I said, “I will never break my covenant with you…”
God is unbelievably faithful. Even in spite of our unfaithfulness, He remains true to His covenants and promises. Even when we forsake Him, He does not forsake us. Even when we go after other gods, He does not cast us out. He will never break His covenant with us. THIS is the catalyst for repentance, God’s faithfulness.
Think on the words of 1 John 1:9, especially if you’re broken fellowship with God recently and gone after something else: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” That promise is still in full effect and because He is unchanging, it always will remain true.
He forgives. He makes new. Although we might have to face some consequences of our disobedience, one thing we know we as Christ followers will never face is: unforgiveness.
Written By: Drew Dukes
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