January 28, 2024

Israel was quiet for 45 years under the judgeship of Tola for 23 years and Jair for 22 years. Then things for them got bad again because they turned away from the one true God to worship other gods. Several countries around them oppressed them. They got rid of their idols and turned to God for help. He reminded them of all the oppressors he had delivered them from and said, “I will deliver you no more.” Imagine turning away from God so many times that he’s finally fed up with you and leaves you to your own destruction. 

We turned away from other gods when we accepted Jesus and he is gracious to deliver us when we cry to him for help. We should continue in our walk with him and keep moving toward him rather than turning away. He is generous in forgiveness, but at what point does it become evident that your salvation story was just a “get out of hell free card?” He will never leave or forsake you if you are truly saved. 

Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. Judges 10:13

Israel repented and accepted whatever punishment God sought to give them, and in mercy, he eventually sent them help.

And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day. And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel. Judges 10:15-16