Again and Again and Again...

Judges 4:1-7 - the Israelites AGAIN did what was evil in the Lord's sight. 

As I thought about Judges 4, I grappled first with the whole concept of AGAIN. The thought of again, within this context, saddens me. We are no different than the Israelites. Why is it that we seem to live in the flux of again? Why do we spend multiple moments in disobedience? 

And are we truly cognisant that we do all things "in the sight of the Lord." Maybe if we lived our lives with a greater awareness of His prevailing presence we would not run so quickly into those things that later cause feelings of shame or despair.

True to form the Lord hands the Israelites over to their enemies because of their disobedience. The Lord allowed them to be oppressed for 20 years!! Scripture is replete with stories of those being handed over to their enemies after turning a once faithful heart away from the one true God. How is it that we believe our lives will be any different? We act as though "habitual sin" (read 1 John) is inconsequential. For instance, habitually "not loving" others is an offense that does not go unnoticed by our God. We must not trivialize God's Word...."search me and see if there is any wicked way in me". It is important to "confess our sins", and to have a "tender conscience". However, if we choose to live in deliberate and willful sin, we will pay the consequences...AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN!

The beauty of understanding the love and faithfulness of God gives us the impetus toward freedom from oppression. After the Israelites had been oppressed for 20 years (I never said they were quick learners) they cried out to the Lord. Oh the joy of knowing where our help comes from. They knew exactly where to turn when the inner and outer turmoil became overbearing! And so do we! This same God still reaches down from Heaven and rescues us from...ourselves! 

Verses 6-7 lay the groundwork for freedom. I always find great comfort in the structure laid out in Scripture. I appreciate that God communicates in a way that people like me can really understand....if this, then this, and then this...God certainly is a God of order. We find a distinct pattern for overcoming. First, God gives a command. Second, the people respond to His clear instructions with complete obedience. Third, the surety of victory is set up as dependent on Him..not us...HIM. 

As with the story of the Prodigal son, the Father is always the One who receives the glory. He belongs center stage....AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN.  And I am truly thankful that as His wandering child I receive His promise of Romans 8:28-29 AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN!