Judges 3:1-11
As we come into Judges 3 today, we have already been told that God left certain nations in place to test Israel to see if they would walk in the ways of the Lord (see Judges 2:21-22). Then, as we move through Judges 3:1-11, we're told again that God has left certain nations behind to test Israel. This was a good reminder for me that no matter what's going on in my life, no matter what my situation may be, God is fully aware and He is in control.
So knowing that God is indeed in the know about our situation as well as in control, what can we do to take where we're at today and move forward in our relationship with Him? Tami W.
He's in control of all things as you mentioned Tami. Either we are; 1. ...in God's will, and we need to "bloom" where He has planted us or 2. ...out of God's will, and need to get in sync with Him. His Word gives us all the direction and resources we need in life to grow, live and please,Him!
I am probably not in the direction of the message, but what about those nations that God used to put Israel on a test, did they have an opportunity to know God or this was only for the chosen nation of Israel ?
Today through Christ and the preaching of the word, we all have an opportunity, but so many reject this oportunity and it is their decision. Yet God is willing to maintain this opportunity to be saved till our body dies. But did these other Nations had an opportunity ?
Just a question.
Because God knows everything about me it is an honour and I rever Him and pray that He will always guide and lead me tostand up for His principles. I must keep in His Word daily and I thank BTTB for P by 4, the devotions and Bible studies that add extra fuel to my life. I thank God for giving me time that I can read His Word, share His message and pray for others. If we really love Him we have to seek Him each day, each hour each minute. He has to be part of everything we do.
May God bless and guide us this day.
Julio,
Thanks for your question. The idea of Israel as God's "Chosen People" was not they were chosen to be God's favorites but chosen to be God's witnesses to the nations around them. Even Israel's enemies (which, at one time or another, included most of the nations around them and beyond) knew of their faith in what they claimed to be the one and only true God. While most of these nations (with the exception of a few like the city of Nineveh) continued to reject the God of Israel, it wasn't because they hadn't heard. And a few individuals even responded (Ruth was a Moabite, Rahab was a Canaanite, Naaman was from Aram), but, on the whole, the message was rejected just as it is today.
Allen, Biblical Correspondent at Back to the Bible
There is always repercussions and consequenses for disobedience. At lease that is what I told my children when they disobeyed. "The Land of disobey is not fun! But the Land of Obey is wonderful and fulfilling."