Judges 3:9-11
“But the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD, and the LORD raised up a deliverer for the sons of Israel to set them free, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel. When he went to war, the LORD handed over to him Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia, so that he prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim. Then the land was at rest for forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.”
We are in the period of the judges. These were holy men and women who led Israel in God’s way. Prior to today’s verses we saw Israel fall away from God. So, they were captured by another nation. Our last entry said that these other nations were there to test Israel. If they followed God, Israel would be free. If they forsook Him they would be captured. That’s exactly what happened. These nations were serving their purpose.
What’s wonderful about God is how quickly He forgives and reconciles. Today’s passage shows it. They were captive, so they cried out to God. He raises up a judge. In this case it was Caleb’s nephew.
One could walk away from God for years. It would seem that because one traveled so long away from God, it would take nearly as long to get back. Not so. It only takes repentance. God is right there for those who follow Him and those who don’t. When one repents he changes directions. As soon as he does so, he faces God. He’s right there.
This fact doesn’t mean there isn’t damage done to that person for all those years of rebellion. We will reap what we sow. God can intervene to a degree, but it’s important that we do feel the consequence of rebellion. I’ve heard the analogy of hammering a nail into a piece of wood. The nail represents sin or some destructive habit. When we return to God and His ways, He can remove the nail. However there is still a hole there. Our sin may have damaged relationships, our health our career and so on. He can do some repair, but we do have to live with some of the consequences.
That being said, the prodigal is home and he is restored. We have a great and merciful God. He is quick to forgive. Thank You, Lord. You are so good. Help us to be witnesses to that.
