Look.....I like a good poop joke as much as the next guy, but this one is too easy.
I break this one down into a couple of different points.
I read the first part about the Israelites inter-marrying, and mingling with the tribes God left in place to test them. It reminded me of our conversations around the end of Joshua.....and the negative influences around us. Is God putting those people/things in place to test my faith? It makes me think.
The story of Ehud just makes me laugh.....here's my favorite line;
He must be relieving himself in the inner room of the palace.” 25 They waited to the point of embarrassment.
I guess its true....God can use any circumstance to his advantage.
I like how God is always faithful, and raises up someone that can defeat the oppressors that are holding the Israelites down. That gives me great peace to know that God will always come to our rescue.....even if our circumstance is self inflicted. He always forgives, and provides a way for us to dig ourselves out.
yeah I think my kids will love this passage, but for all the wrong reasons.
ReplyDeleteI agree it ties right back into our Joshua discussion. Did I misinterpret in Joshua the failure to drive everyone out as lack of faithfulness, since in this book it says he left them there intentionally to test the Israelites? maybe it doesnt matter I was just trying to make everything align in my head.
To your last point God is always faithful, even though here we have a cycle of him being faithful, Israelites being faithful for a while then losing their way and in turn suffering consequences, followed by them realizing they need God and asking for him to help them again...which he does even though they did nothing to deserve it...they take over again have piece again for awhile then they screw it up....repeat
sounds familiar, Gina and I talk about how God has really provided for us and always has a plan for us but how we consistently feel like we need to try and take control--we are just like the Israelites, we dont seem to learn. So while I want to strive to stay faithful, it sure is nice to know no matter how bad I muck it up he will be there for me.
I feel the same way......I'm still wrestling with the "influence" issue.....you said we aren't supposed to live in a bubble, and I completely agree with that. But, isn't that directly in contrast to what is written in Joshua and Judges? Because they didn't get rid of all the sin around them, it brought them down?
ReplyDeleteIDK - still working thru that one in my head
I'm with you, I'm not sure where the lines should be drawn between being influenced and having influence
ReplyDelete