"But when they cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who saved them. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, so that he became Israel's judge and went to war. The LORD gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died."
-- Judges 3:9-11 (NIV)
When most Christians read this violent Book of Judges, grace does not seem to come across as an abounding factor; but it is. These wicked Israelites deserved nothing but punishment and rebuke for the evil they did in the eyes of the LORD. But when they cried out to God, he gave them what they didn't deserve: a warrior by the name of Othniel, who defeated the Aramites for them and gave them peace for 40 years. This cycle happens several times in this Book with many different judges, and each time, the grace of our LORD abounds. When we cry out to God, he gives us what we don't deserve: forgiveness... Forgiveness through his son Jesus Christ... our deliverer... and the one who bring us peace. Not for 40 years, but for eternity.
-- Jonathan
No comments:
Post a Comment