In Judges chapter 1 we learn about a Character named Adoni-Bezek. This guy is subdued by the tribes of Judah and Simeon and has his Thumbs & Big Toes cut off! Ouch! Talk about agony of De-FEET! But in all seriousness, even he recognizes a Biblical principal- take your pick- Do unto others..., eye for an eye..., whatsoever a man sows..., Vengeance is mine thus saith the Lord..., and on and on.
But though he admits that some 70 kings had been defeated in battle and had eaten from the scraps of his table that fell below it as they too crawled around with no thumbs or toes, he seems to recognize this to be at the hand of God... retribution!(Justice)
It just reminds me that I am TRULY GLAD that God has given us MERCY & GRACE- Justice is getting what we deserve. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we don't deserve. This is what we find at the Cross of Calvary!
Perhaps a fresh visit to Calvary is what is needed? Salvation? Confession? Adoration? Forgiveness? Strength?
Are you feeling a bit DEFEATED today? Is there an area of Sin that has caused this punishment? If so, confess it, ask for the forgiveness that only God can give! Perhaps, this is just one of those trials that is here for the testing of your faith? If so, don't do as the Israelites did in Judges chapter 1 and begin to disobey the voice of the Lord (ch. 2:1-5 also) but walk in obedience, in the VICTORY That Jesus Christ has provided. Don't do as they did and settle for sin in the camp, or as Dan did, by surrendering to the enemy. But instead do as they did in the beginning of Chapter 1; Ask God, Let God answer, and then do as He says! This will always lead to Success!
God Speed!
In Christ,
Pastor Jeremy V.
But though he admits that some 70 kings had been defeated in battle and had eaten from the scraps of his table that fell below it as they too crawled around with no thumbs or toes, he seems to recognize this to be at the hand of God... retribution!(Justice)
It just reminds me that I am TRULY GLAD that God has given us MERCY & GRACE- Justice is getting what we deserve. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we don't deserve. This is what we find at the Cross of Calvary!
Perhaps a fresh visit to Calvary is what is needed? Salvation? Confession? Adoration? Forgiveness? Strength?
Are you feeling a bit DEFEATED today? Is there an area of Sin that has caused this punishment? If so, confess it, ask for the forgiveness that only God can give! Perhaps, this is just one of those trials that is here for the testing of your faith? If so, don't do as the Israelites did in Judges chapter 1 and begin to disobey the voice of the Lord (ch. 2:1-5 also) but walk in obedience, in the VICTORY That Jesus Christ has provided. Don't do as they did and settle for sin in the camp, or as Dan did, by surrendering to the enemy. But instead do as they did in the beginning of Chapter 1; Ask God, Let God answer, and then do as He says! This will always lead to Success!
God Speed!
In Christ,
Pastor Jeremy V.
