Summer series on Judges: breaking the cycles of life. Cockroach is afraid of a mouse, cat dog man woman cockroach
V 21:25 everyone did what was right in their own eyes. A cycle of sin is often a struggle, sometimes the same sin. Our best fullest life is in Jesus. Also a cycle, the judges were instruments of God's grace. Scripture shows us how God provided special grace, like the judges blessing the nation of Israel
Patriarchs Abraham Isaac to Joseph. the pharaohs forgot about Joseph's people slavery then freed then later a season of plenty then the season of judges. Saul was chosen king then David. 12 judges 11 men and one woman. 330-430 years, not that long in those times but much longer than our country.
Judges 2:11-17 the cycle repeats.
A - apostasy, turning from faith / God, toward something else - serving other gods. Previously Gad had provided manna, leading them out of Egypt. A slow fade, a series of small decisions then larger compromises leading to worshiping other gods.
Did their fathers do an adequate job of passing their faith to the sudsequaint generations? We aren't really told. Deut 6:4-9 write them on your doorposts. We love to outsource things these days, but some things shouldn't be outsourced. As parents we shouldn't outsource passing our faith to our children.
Prodigals can be a challenge.
1. Give guilt feelings to God. Not your fault. They're responsible for themselves
2. Be honest with your prodigal. Be honest with yourself. If they're apart from God, speak the truth in love into their lives.
3. Pray for your prodigal. Kept praying. God loves them. Get support if needed.
B. Bondage was the next season v 14-15. A result of their previous decisions. God's face was red with anger. God held onto his covenant.
C. Cry out in their severe distress. Hopefully an attitude of deliverance
D. God raised up judges, who served as king figure. Kings had bloodlines, but not judges - who were broken saviors, instruments of God's grace
E. Peace in the land v 18-23 but only for a time, they turned back and were even more disobedient.
Am I going to do what is right in my own eyes, or trust that God has a better plan?
I John 2:1-2 I am writing these things so you won't sin. Jesus is our advocate. He came to destroy the cycle and deliver us from sin. His yoke is light.
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