09/07/2018 - GOD RAISED A RESCUER

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When the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel, who delivered them: Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. Judges 3: 9

The mistake of wanting to resemble the surrounding peoples led the Israelites to take on women of the still-existing nations of Canaan. With this, they found themselves in the hands of their enemies, following teachings contrary to the Word of God. The Most High had condemned those nations for idolatrous and immoral practices, something common among them, and delivered their lands to the descendants of Abraham.

As a result, the children of Israel began to serve the demons, abandoning the Covenant with the Creator. In no time, they were morally corrupted, to the point of having no restraint within the principles of morality. Today, the same has happened with those who let themselves be carried away by temptations and then abandon the Lord. After all, God cannot be among those who prevaricate and submit to the devil. Mercy!

With the moral looseness that took over the Israelites, where everything was allowed, they faced a series of bad things, and suddenly they were already serving Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia (verse 8). It seems that history has been repeating itself in our days, because although many have said that they belong to God, they suffer like the Israelites, serving unclean spirits, who reign over them.

Many people have given in to the devil, and that is why the attacks of the kingdom of darkness over their lives are constant. They become contaminated with practices condemned by the Bible and suffer every day. It is necessary to return to the Lord’s feet and learn from Him, who is meek and humble in heart. Only this way will the soul of these people be redeemed and purified (Matthew 11:29). There’s still time, but we have to act fast and wholeheartedly.

The way out came when those who still feared the Almighty began to cry out to Him. God is always merciful, and whoever hears the invitation to draw near to Him and with great outcry seeks His face, is soon heard and answered. If you are going through some “distress” and follow the example of these servants of the Lord, surely, you will also be answered. Do not shrink from doing good to yourself and to other people, because your time is now. Act!

The Most High showed the way out, lifting up a rescuer, and He acts in the same way today. When the people pray, the Lord comes and shows them in the Word a subject apparently unknown or abandoned. Then, as you meditate on the Scriptures, the holy fire kindles the life of the one who draws near to the Most High. Therefore, it is soon proved that nothing lacks to that person. Seek Him and be completely delivered!

The rescuer was named Othniel, which means God is strength, and under his direction the Israelites were taken from captivity. Since the Lord was the Strength of Othniel’s life, the king of Mesopotamia, Cushan-Rishathaim, was defeated and the earth had rest for 40 years (verses 10, 11).

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares