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Let’s take a look with fresh eyes at the scene that’s unfolding.
The moral and spiritual roller coaster of Israel continues on even after all they have seen and done through Joshua. God lifted His hand to allow consequences to ensue, however, we continue to see His amazing grace breathing over His people. He never abandons His people! Does this sound familiar to us today?
Then the LORD raised up judges who delivered them from the hands of those who plundered them. 17 Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they played the harlot after other gods and bowed themselves down to them. They turned aside quickly from the way in which their fathers had walked in obeying the commandments of the LORD; they did not do as their fathers.
Judges 2:16-17 NASB
God was gracious in appointing judges to save his people from their sin. This is the problem for all mankind right? We need a Savior. Even then, they would not listen and played the harlot, just as many do today, and turned aside quickly to old habits. How amazing is it that God has gone to such incredible lengths to preserve His people? It makes no sense, really. If it doesn’t melt your heart, then pray that it does, because this is the beginning of a changed life. It is the glory of God being revealed through His love for His people.
In Ephesians 3, Paul ponders this very same idea…
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:17-19 NASB
The words I type on this page cannot describe the immense nature of God’s grace. The idea that He would chase us, pursue us, discipline us, and become relentless in His never-ending radical plan to mend what was broken by us is nothing short of amazing. It’s more than amazing. It’s incomprehensible. The only logical conclusion is to praise and worship Him. The only response is falling to our knees and giving every ounce of ourselves to His will for this life.
I get so sick of people saying God’s grace isn’t evident in the Old Testament. It’s everywhere and it’s constant. Now, of course, Jesus comes later… but in order to fully appreciate the sacrifice we must understand the pursuit. God knew you when you were nothing, and He loved you before your first rebellious act. He’s pursued you for your entire life, even in your most shameful choices. What is your response? Ask yourself. What is a reasonable response to the grace of God?