08/03/2023 - THE MINISTRY OF JUDGES

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And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Bedan, Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side; and you dwelt in safety. 1 Samuel 12.11

Some consider Moses and Joshua to have been judges, authorities raised up in Israel to guide the people in agitated times that could last for years. Then came periods of peace and prosperity. Although warned, the Israelites sought the gods of the nations, and soon the devil came out with his fury against all who turned away from God, bringing in kings from other lands to oppress them harshly (Judges 2.6-23).

That was an example of what would happen in our days. Many go looking for help where there is none and find only confusion and suffering. It is unbelievable that those rescued from Egyptian captivity were so weak! Today, the same demons are at work among God’s people, causing them to be unfaithful. That is why we hear about so many tragedies in the families of the saved. Pray and believe!

The verse being studied speaks of some judges, but this does not mean that these were better than the others. They were used to deliver the Israelites from their enemies. May every child of God learn from this statement and rescue people from the snares of the devil. This is how Jesus acted (Acts 10.38). Now, as His imitators, we must act like them. The world doesn’t know how to deliver itself from evil!

In the book of Acts, everything that will be shown in eternity about those who were used in the Lord’s harvest is being recorded. Remember: a great work begins with a great desire to do what Christ did. Paul said: Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11.1). Having the Lord as an example and a target will direct us to where He determines as our limit. Let’s start now!

The Lord’s new judges need to be servants and look to the Word for the right instructions. Without a doubt, the Holy Spirit will give them the right teaching. The Lord spoke through King David as follows: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye (Psalm 32.8). Be careful when reading the Bible or listening to the preaching of God’s Word, for that is how faith comes (Romans 10.17). God will use you a lot. Surrender!

Never ignore the actions of the evil one, as Paul said: Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2.10,11). Those who serve the Lord should never let themselves be taught or led by what people say, but by the Spirit of God.

When Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord in the temple, he heard the following question: Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” (Isaiah 6.8a). Do you hear this voice too? Then answer with his words: Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” (Isaiah 6.8b).   Amen! 

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares