Judges 2-3
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For
everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17
Day 74 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on Israel's repeated failure to follow the Lord as a result of their disobedience to God's command to overcome the remaining inhabitants of the promised land (see previous post). Israel "did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals. They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them." (Judges 2:11-12). God then gives Israel into the hands "of raiders who plundered them" (Judges 2:14). God does raise up judges to save them but once these judges die, the Israelites return to their wicked ways (Judges 2:19). Othniel, Ehud and Shamgar are all mentioned in Judges 3 as deliverers who save Israel - each providing temporary peace.
Our starting point should be that we are all (all of humanity) sinful and we exist in a fallen world - plagued not just by our own sin but also by the sin around us. Believers can easily be seduced by the world.
My recent study of David Platt - Revelation: The Hope of Glory (requires login which I have though my church) highlighted this important warning and uses words from John:
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For
everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who has strengthened me and protected me - yet I know my sin continues and there is work to do. Thank You God for protecting me but please forgive me for how I have fallen down. Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
