Main Verse: Judges 3:1-11

Good morning!

Before the conquest of Canaan, the people were promised by the Lord, that he would not drive all the occupants out at one time because the wild animals would increase (Exodus 23:29-31, Deuteronomy 19:7-8). During the conquest, the people fought valiantly and remained faithful to the end, something Moses could never get the people to do. After the great leaders had passed away, and life settled down to a dull roar, the nation became unfaithful to the Lord by inter-marrying with the pagan nations that surrounded them, and they bowed down and served the pagan gods; something Balak supposedly suggested to Balaam (Revelations 2:14, Numbers 22-29). Because of the inter-marriage, the people abandoned the Lord to serve the pagan gods Asherah and Baals.  Because of their apostate behavior, the Lord sent the armies of Mesopotamia who conquered Israel and became vassal to King Cushan-Rishathaim for eight years. When the nation cried out for a deliverer, He sent Othniel, Caleb’s nephew the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother; after which, the nation had 40 years of peace.

Around 1945 a new toy was shown Gimbles department store called, “The Slinky” (Slinky). Growing up in the 60s and 70s we’d buy them for birthday presents because they were inexpensive. As the TV commercial said, “They were fun” until the metal became stretched out and knotted and then became fodder for the trash. In ways, our lives are a lot like the Slinky because when we see people taking a trip on the “Wild Side” by doing what Solomon did (Ecclesiastes 2:1-3). When sin gets its foot in the door of our homes and churches, predictable events will occur

1. The Devil plays the “Long Game”:  The Devil is above all, patient; he will take as long as it takes to get us ensnared in sin. When we throw up objections, like the young man in Proverbs, He is answers to everything we say (Proverbs 7); one of His favorites is, “You can go back to the Lord and ask forgiveness, no reason to be afraid”.
2. The Devil knows no boundaries: When we as parents commit sin, our children pay the price, and they will in turn do what we are doing. In the church, when new believers see the other members doing the ungodly, they will follow because they that it is ok as in the case of Judas Iscariot so son of a Pharisee (Luke 7:36-50).

I set before you today two choices: Life and Death (Deuteronomy 30:15-16.

I.H.S. MK

Father,

There is no middle ground when it comes to sin. To believe we can live in sin and yet claim a place in your kingdom is a “fool’s errand” (Proverbs 23:9).  Please help me every day to keep my eyes on you so that I will know the right path to take (Philippians 4:8). I know that it is impossible to get through life without once tripping over something but please help me not to be the cause of the road bump I trip over. May you be blessed today how I live my life that I may bring back sheaves for your Kingdom (Psalms 126:5-6).

In Jesus’ Name