Scripture:
Judges 3:7-11 ESV
[7] And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asheroth. [8] Therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia. And the people of Israel served Cushan-rishathaim eight years. [9] But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. [10] The Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the Lord gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand. And his hand prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim. [11] So the land had rest forty years. Then Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
Observation:
Every one of the elders that had seen GOD’s mighty hand in the deliverance from Egypt had been gathered to their families. The Israelites had no one to keep them pointed in the right direction, except GOD. They were falling into sin because they had gotten lazy about driving it out. Still living among people that the LORD said to drive out of the territory HE had promised them…finding themselves in captivity again with no other choice they cried out to the LORD for help. GOD had been waiting for exactly that. HE just needed them to call on HIS name. When they did HE raised up a leader. Othniel was Caleb’s younger brother I’m sure he had looked up to Caleb watching him through the power of the LORD take victory after victory. I could almost see him sitting back thinking when is it my turn. That’s what little brothers do you know. So when GOD started whispering in his ear he was ready. Standing up grabbing his man pants he listened to the LORD and brought the Israelites out of captivity once again.
Application:
I believe it all starts with us being tired of the results of sin in our lives. The enemy wants to see us bound in the grip of sin. Feeling hopeless like there is no way out. But I’m here to tell you there is all you have to do is cry out to Jesus. GOD knows your situation it’s not like you’re hiding it from HIM. Just cry out and see what happens. See if HE doesn’t send an Othniel your why. HE just wants to know that you want something different. Mine came in the form of someone telling me about Jesus, and without going back into the observation… that’s what Othniel was he was a picture of Jesus. Our saviour so if you are struggling with sin. Cry out with all that is in you cry out to Jesus. Because HE loves you enough to die for you.
Prayer:
Father, I know that you do not want us in bondage. You did not set us free for us to go back. I also know that you are faithful to keep your promise and who the son sets free is free indeed. Help us to experience that freedom at all times we love you and our hearts desire is to follow you. Please keep us on track. It’s in the mighty name of jesus I pray amen.