Judges 2: 16-17 “Then the Lord raised up judges to rescue the Israelites from their attackers. Yet Israel did not listen to the judges but prostituted themselves by worshiping other gods. How quickly they turned away from the path of their ancestors, who had walked in obedience to the Lord’s commands.”
Upon entering the promised land, God raises up judges to help guide and direct the people. Yet time and time again, the people ignore the judges and follow other gods. This becomes a cycle for the Israelites. Over and over again throughout their history, they follow God for a time and listen to his judges, kings, and prophets, yet eventually fall away and begin to follow other gods, beliefs, and customs.
It’s easy to look at the ancient Israelites and be relieved that I don’t do that. Or do I? Yeah maybe I haven’t kneeled and worshipped a statue lately, but how often do I turn away from God? How often do I choose to ignore him and then when life gets tough, or Sunday rolls around, I am reminded of him and promptly follow him? It’s like the children’s game “red light, green light.” We follow for a short time, then turn the other way, then come back to him, then turn the other way, and on and on it goes... The interesting thing here is, God is always there waiting for us. After every rebellion and every desertion, God is waiting with open arms calling us back to him!
Dear Jesus, thank you for your patience, forgiveness and for always taking me back. Amen.
