Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them… Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them.
Thought for Today
Follow the leader. It is one of the first games children learn to play. It helps them develop motor skills, as the leader attempts actions that challenge the group to do likewise. As we get older the way we play changes. We begin to look for people who have the kinds of skills, character, position, or wealth we would like to have, and we begin to emulate them. It is one of the key ways we grow as adults. God designed us this way and uses it.
When Israel wandered from their covenant with God, the Lord removed His hand of blessing and allowed the people to discover what life was like without Him. When the people cried out in distress, He would have compassion on them and raise up a judge. At these times the Lord was not with the people, but with the judge. If the people followed the judge they were victorious, for the Lord was with him or her.
God set up a role model for the people, to give them a clear example of a life of faith. It caused them to focus in and pay attention as the judge performed acts of faith that would cause other Israelites to struggle. As they see the Lord bless his or her acts the whole nation is encouraged to emulate them.
This is how God has established the life of faith. The disciples looked directly to Jesus to see the life of faith. Timothy imitated his mother and grandmother as they lived out their faith.
Who are you following? Whose life are you emulating. The way God uses you may be utterly unique, but you should be following someone whose lived-faith challenges you. Read biographies of great Christians. Look to a faithful pastor. Find a mentor in a bible study. Your faith will grow faster and your life will bear greater fruit if you follow someone who is following Jesus.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, thank You for the man and women You raised up for me in the past. Help me to see the people whose faith will help me grow today. Amen.
Devotional Quote
when the imitation of Christ does not mean to live a life like Christ, but to live your life as authentically as Christ lived his, then there are many ways and forms in which a man can be a Christian. ― Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Wounded Healer
Quote of the Day
Imitation is not just the sincerest form of flattery - it's the sincerest form of learning. ― George Bernard Shaw
Judges: Imitation
Judges 2:16, 18
Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them… Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them.
Thought for Today
Follow the leader. It is one of the first games children learn to play. It helps them develop motor skills, as the leader attempts actions that challenge the group to do likewise. As we get older the way we play changes. We begin to look for people who have the kinds of skills, character, position, or wealth we would like to have, and we begin to emulate them. It is one of the key ways we grow as adults. God designed us this way and uses it.
When Israel wandered from their covenant with God, the Lord removed His hand of blessing and allowed the people to discover what life was like without Him. When the people cried out in distress, He would have compassion on them and raise up a judge. At these times the Lord was not with the people, but with the judge. If the people followed the judge they were victorious, for the Lord was with him or her.
God set up a role model for the people, to give them a clear example of a life of faith. It caused them to focus in and pay attention as the judge performed acts of faith that would cause other Israelites to struggle. As they see the Lord bless his or her acts the whole nation is encouraged to emulate them.
This is how God has established the life of faith. The disciples looked directly to Jesus to see the life of faith. Timothy imitated his mother and grandmother as they lived out their faith.
Who are you following? Whose life are you emulating. The way God uses you may be utterly unique, but you should be following someone whose lived-faith challenges you. Read biographies of great Christians. Look to a faithful pastor. Find a mentor in a bible study. Your faith will grow faster and your life will bear greater fruit if you follow someone who is following Jesus.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, thank You for the man and women You raised up for me in the past. Help me to see the people whose faith will help me grow today. Amen.
Devotional Quote
when the imitation of Christ does not mean to live a life like Christ, but to live your life as authentically as Christ lived his, then there are many ways and forms in which a man can be a Christian. ― Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Wounded Healer
Quote of the Day
Imitation is not just the sincerest form of flattery - it's the sincerest form of learning. ― George Bernard Shaw