And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groaning by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them. Judges 2:18-19 KJV
The book of Judges turns our attention to a repeated cycle of sin experienced by the people of Israel. The people would rebel against God, experience retribution because of their sin, and then repent. Upon doing so, God would rise up a judge to deliver them from their oppressors, restore them, and give them rest. Once the judge died the cycle would begin again; it is repeated six times in the book of Judges. What I appreciate in each of these cycles is even though they did not deserve it, as soon as God’s people turned to Him for help, He helped them. His deliverance was to demonstrate His faithfulness and give them a further opportunity to walk with Him. That encourages me because even still when we do not deserve it, but cry unto the Lord, He hears us and helps us. How grateful we should be for such grace; its availability makes it possible to break the cycle of sin.
Lord, some lessons never seem to be learned. As the people of Israel repeated the same cycle of sin, we do likewise. How thankful I am for your grace in treating us better than we deserve.
