God Speaks
Samson with Delilah, His Death; Household Idols; Danite Marauders
Verse of the Day: In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. (Judges 17:6 NLT) [Everyone lived according to “their own truth”?]
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We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Judges 16-18:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Judges 16
1. God has been bringing judgment against Gaza and the Philistines (Palestinians) since before the time of Samson. The LORD God is the only One who knows best when, how, and why to do so.
2. Even strong people that God chooses to use, like Samson, can be so worn down by constant nagging attacks that they succumb to the enemy. Their best and only defense is the LORD God, His will, and His Word (whether read aloud, spoken, or sung, but mostly by being acted upon).
Judges 17
1. God expects His people to worship Him and Him alone, not self-made idols or worthless images.
2. When people don’t make God the king of their lives but do whatever seems right in their own eyes, they open themselves up to all kinds of trouble.
Judges 18
1. Although the wicked may seem to prosper, God does not bless those who covet and seek to possess what belongs to others.
2. People (bullies like the Danites) often seek to overpower others and to take what they have for their own use and pleasure.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Judges 16-18?
O LORD God, Righteous Judge and Creator of the universe, You have been bringing judgment against Gaza and the Philistines (Palestinians) since before the time of Samson. You judge all people on the basis of their response to You and behavior toward other people. You are the only One who knows best when, how, and why to do so. You have also given us the way to escape this certain judgment–trusting in what Jesus did for us on the cross and obeying Your Holy Spirit. Even strong people, like Samson, that You choose to use can be so worn down by constant nagging attacks that they succumb to the enemy. Their (our) best and only defense is You, LORD God, submitting to Your will, and using Your Word (whether we read it aloud, speak it, or sing it). What is most important is that we put it into practice. LORD God, You expect Your people to worship You and You alone, not self-made idols or worthless images. We open ourselves up to all kinds of trouble when we don’t make You the king of our lives but do whatever seems right in our own eyes. Although the wicked may seem to prosper, You are LORD, and You do not bless those who covet and fight to possess what belongs to others. Bullies seek to overpower people, to control others, and to take what these people have for their own use and pleasure. It is only by leaning on You and extending Your love, mercy, and grace to them that we can be true overcomers and bring You glory forever, LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Judges 16-18? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will help a friend deal with a nagging attack from the enemy by praying with them and pointing them to the truths of Scripture.
- I will strive to make Jesus the King of every aspect of my daily life.
- Nightly, I will review my day before God to confess where I have broken any of His commandments or principles and to claim the forgiveness provided by Christ Jesus.
- I will stand alongside and defend someone who is being bullied even if it is someone I don’t know or necessarily like.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.