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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I praise you today, for you are a God who confronts me in my sin and calls me back to repentance. I may wander from your side, but you are quick to put your hand on my shoulder and turn me away from the path of destruction. How wonderful to serve a God who chastens and disciplines His children in love. I worship you today and exalt your name. Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the beginning of Israel’s descent into apostasy. If the main theme of the book of Joshua is “Victory through Faith,” the main theme of Judges is “Failure through Compromise.” After Joshua’s death, Judah launched a campaign to take possession of their territory. Joined by Simeon, they conquered the uplands and lowlands, and Caleb was victorious at Hebron. This successful start, however, was soon marred by disobedience, for they did not drive out all the Canaanites from the land. The other tribes also failed to obey your command, and you finally confronted them at Bochim: “You have not obeyed my voice” (Judges 2:2). Israel’s failure bore all the hallmarks of a compromising heart: (1) They were more afraid of people than they were of you (Judges 1:19); (2) They justified their actions instead of owning up to their mistakes (Judges 1:19); (3) They gave up when they encountered resistance (Judges 1:34); and (4) They preferred to cohabit rather than conquer (Judges 1:21, 28, 30). This teaches me that when I refuse to be ruthless with sin, it will come back to be a thorn in my side and a snare to my feet (Judges 2:3). The people wept at Bochim, but like Esau, they were only sorry for the consequences of their sin. Their repentance wasn’t genuine, for they soon abandoned you and worshiped other gods (cf. Judges 17:5). First a family, then a Levite, and finally a tribe left the path of righteousness and did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 17:6). This led them into a quagmire of religious syncretism and moral relativism, and it teaches me the danger of compromising with sin. Reflection I doubt Micah and his mother ever dreamed that their silver idol would end up being worshipped by the Danites for generations. How sobering to think that our secret sins can become the public folly of our family and friends! Request Father, what you told me today convicts my heart and drives me to my knees. Help me forsake all sin and reject the temptations of the enemy. I never want to hear you say, “What is this that you have done?” Thanksgiving Thank you for warning me of the dangers of a compromising heart. I can avoid the pitfall of apostasy by heeding the failure of your people and learning from their mistakes! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “No Compromise” by Haldor Lillenas. Meditation Verse: Judges 17:6. |