Judges 2:13-15
13 The Israelites abandoned the worship of the Eternal One and turned to serve Baal and his consort the moon goddess, Ashtaroth. 14 So the Eternal’s anger burned hot against them, and He caused them to be overcome by those around them, using their enemies to plunder them so that the Israelites could no longer stand against their enemies. 15 Whenever they marched out to battle, the hand of the Eternal One was raised against them in evil, as He had warned and promised them, and they were in anguish.
After Joshua died, the Israelites moved once again toward idolatry. They left their first love—Yahweh—and worshiped idols with their neighbors. They sacrificed their relationship with God who had lovingly delivered them time and time again to align themselves with the world. So, the people ended up fighting against God who used their enemies to bring judgment upon them.
Scripture teaches “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). May we allow the Spirit to soften our hearts and may we hunger for more of God in the days ahead. May we be truly grateful for his goodness and his blessings that sustain us and help us to persevere. May we reach out to lift others up who are struggling around us. May the world wake up and connect to Christ!
Prayer: Lord, I know idolatry is a matter of the heart; help me to stay focused on you, put on humility, as well as be willing to serve and share my life and blessings with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.