Friday, February 5, 2021

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. Today’s reading gives a graphic account of Ehud plunging a dagger into the fat belly of King Eglon of Moab as a judgment on his wickedness (Joshua 3:15-23). In Israel, 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 of Crossroads co-founded one of the churches in Jerusalem. Wayne and Ann Hilsden are in my prayers consistently. Their congregation, which they pastored for over 30 years, 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 a ways until you see the sub-heading “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.

8 thoughts on “Friday, February 5, 2021

  1. As Psalm 122:6 says, we “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.'” Paul calls in Romans 10:1: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.” God’s hand always has been and always will be upon them. Seems the storm effects from the States are coming through Southern Ontario; very cold, windy and stormy sky out there. Stay safe and warm, fellow saints.

    Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
    Matthew 11:28 ESV

    Never Lost feat. Tauren Wells | Live | Elevation Worship
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TOPBr8k8xY

  2. Amen to David’s prayer. Lord God, thank You for Your mercy on us. Thank You for hearing and answering the prayers of Your people. Please keep on raising up Your brave and Godly leaders. Bless them with wisdom and courage and everything they need to lead people to You. And Lord, please give all Your people the boldness and backbone they need to stand firm in You, the wisdom and discernment to choose what is right, and the love and humility to let Your Kingdom rule in their lives. Please, Father, help our countries turn to You, in Jesus’s name, amen

  3. Great truth, Beverlee! I have many great memories with that building over the years that I was privileged to volunteer at. Praying that the Ministry of Crossroads will continue unhindered until Jesus calls us home. Amen

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