Michele on Judges
Wow. Judges was a cool book. I’ve never read the whole thing before, and I enjoyed all the stories, and the fact that some of them I’d never heard before.
The author definitely shows the depravity of man, how they constantly turn away from God, and in comparison, how faithful God is to them. This was probably for the original reader to see how much better it is to follow God than to follow their own ways. It is clear that God’s way is the best way.
Going through the book and seeing how over and OVER the Israelites disobeyed God, turned away, abandoned him, and completely rejected him, made me get angry at the Israelites at times. Then if I truly stopped and thought about it for a minute, I realized that I am the same way. I constantly reject God’s ways for me, and instead of obeying him, and living the way he wants me to live that leads to life, I choose things that I think are easier, better, or please me more. I am just as stupid, selfish, and depraved as the Israelites. After realizing this horrible thing, and seeing myself in this way, it was encouraging to see how God dealt with the stupid Israelites. He was constantly forgiving, merciful, compassionate, gracious, and unconditionally loving them, no matter how much they hurt him. It is so good to see the faithfulness God shows to the Israelites, cause it shows me that he is going to be just as faithful to me, even when I mess up. This stirs in me such a thankfulness and love for the God that I serve. It is SO AWESOME that I get to serve a God this loving and this merciful. He is always there, and always willing to take me back. He doesn’t hate me! He actually wants the best for me. What great news this is to realize, and to keep with me for the rest of my life. It stirs in me a new appreciation and love for this God I serve, and a motivation to serve him with everything I have! He wants the best for me, and this comes from following his ways! Remember that it is the same for you reading this! Whoever you are, God loves you, and wants good things for you too! How awesome is that?!!!