A VERY FAT DICTATOR REMOVED
Today’s Reading: JUDGES 3
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
Tel Lachish National Park. According to the Bible, the Israelites captured and destroyed Lachish for joining the league against the Gibeonites (Joshua 10:31-33), but its territory was later assigned to the tribe of Judah (15:39) and became a part of the Kingdom of Israel.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Judges 3:9, 15a
When the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel, who delivered them: Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother….But when the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for them: Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man…
Every year Israelite parents were to bring their children to Mt. Gerizim (Shechem) and show them the stone of witness on which was written the summary of the commandments which Moses, and Joshua after him, had given in his final words to the people of God (Joshua 24:27). We can be confident that Caleb’s nephew, Othniel, the first Judge, saw that stone, and then Ehud, the next Judge, also got the message written on that stone. There was always a remnant of the people who were faithful to the God of their fathers, but they may have been silent, not taking a public stand for righteousness. When they did stand up, God stood up for them. Our reading today lets us know that there were, in total, 26 years of serving foreign rulers and 120 years of freedom and prosperity.
Thank God that the Spirit of God is still calling brave and godly leaders. Let us rally around and support them as they lead us in evangelism and in strong growth of God’s people, the Church.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
I join the Apostle Paul and ask You, Lord God, “May Israel be saved” (Romans 10:1). There is a modern remnant of those who seek to do Your will, and thousands of Israelis who believe in Jesus, Yeshua, as their Saviour and Lord. In these times when destruction looms over Israel, may the people cry out to You as they did in the times of Othniel and Ehud. In Yeshua’s Name I pray, Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’ve had the opportunity of spending much time in modern Israel. God’s purposes there are underway. Two former team members at Crossroads are leading one of the churches in Jerusalem. Wayne and Ann Hilsden are in my prayers consistently. Their congregation, known as King of Kings, is strong (check it out here), as are many congregations in Israel.
Biblical names are common there, such as, Ehud Barak, former minister of Defense and a former Prime Minister of Israel.
I’ve entitled today’s reading after Eglon, King of Moab, who lived in a rebuilt Jericho, known as “The City of the Palms.” It’s a gruesome story, but that’s war. I’m interested in archaeology and Eglon’s palace has been found (here’s a link if interested – scroll down to find the section on “Judges” then the subtitle “Eglon’s Palace at Jericho”).
Also, I initiated the placing of a stone of witness at the Crossroads Centre in 1999. A link to a video of the stone’s dedication is here. I encourage the reading of the Scripture on its plaque (Jeremiah 6:16). May it serve God’s purpose as did the stone of witness in Joshua 24.
Yours in support of God’s leaders who serve God’s cause with boldness and wisdom,
David
Ruins of ancient Lachish at Tel Lachish National Park.
comments have been made in the past and I agree! Only God can deal with the ugliness of war and the terriorists! It’s too much for many people to comprehend! People need to return to praying daily, encouraging each other, and to help those who we can reach at the end of our fingers! We can speak the Word of God, be thankful and say so, use our words to bless others, and to put the best construction on our words! AMEN
Thanks, David, for the fascinating link From Ramesses to Shiloh: Archaeological Discoveries Bearing on the Exodus-Judges Period.
I regret not making the time yesterday, to comment on the terrorists as outlined by David, and have been reading a number of articles of late on the very topic, including watching a youtube video of a former jihad who witnessed about being saved by Jesus. Jesus is the only name that can save and break through the dark filter of the jihadist mind and underworld. It is interesting to learn about the fault of the Quran and Allah, as the man explained. Praise God he was saved by Jesus! At the same time, it took away from my precious time with the light of God that so strengthens me.
Thank you David Mainse, for this blog as my rock to lean on and connection with the Word and fellow saints! Thank You, Jesus–for we are nothing without You, but everything with You. Oh, the name of Jesus!
Jesus Loves Even Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6rEA8UH3Ck
I am so glad that Jesus loves me
I do admit the old testament is hard to understand
Lianne Hogg
This is a quote from the Denison Forum:
In his last sermon, C. S. Lewis noted that God “claims all, because He is love and must bless. He cannot bless us unless He has us. When we try to keep within us an area that is our own, we try to keep an area of death. Therefore, in love, He claims all. There’s no bargaining with Him.”
Have a blessed day dear fellow saints.
Love that! Thanks for sharing that, Lynda! Bless you!
History does repeat itself even to this present age. Even as the educational system in Nova Scotia says they need to get back to majoring on literacy and mathematics, we need to get back to the Word of God and prayer(the old ways as you pointed out with the verse Jeremiah 6:16 David). Thank you for all the links and comments.
Yes, David, thank you for all the links and comments, and prayers!
I too would like to comment on Joel Rosenbergs book, it’s excellant and a great read. Once you start to read it’s hard to put down. Highly recommend
Thanks again for the blog such a blessing in these times we live
J Dube