Judges 2: A Covenant Broken... Again

"That whole generation was also gathered to their ancestors.  After them another generation rose up who did not know the Lord or the works He had done for Israel."

Judges 2:10

Only a single generation after the death of Joshua, Israel turned from the Lord and worshiped the false idols of the land they had taken, the very idols they were supposed to destroy in their conquest, the gods of the people they were supposed to drive out during their conquest.  Because of this, the Lord lifted His protection from His people and allowed marauders to enter their territory and ravage the people.

One of the reasons I refused to become a believer during my high school years (over a decade ago) was that the "Christians" who tried to witness to me were some of the worst people imaginable, and when I asked them why they continued to be so horrible they simply responded that Jesus forgave them so they're allowed to do anything they want.  This outlook, which we all have from time to time, seems to mimic that of Israel throughout all the parts of the Old Testament that I've read so far.  We think, as they did, that God will protect us no matter what and we have no responsibility whatsoever.

There are many Scriptural references which back this notion.  Particularly in the New Testament, it is made perfectly clear that God is the one who started a good work inside of us, and only He has the power to change us from our earthly ways.  However, both the Old and New Testaments are explicit one the notion that we must choose to allow Him into our lives.  If we reject Him, He does turn His back on us and remove His blessings and protections.  The good news, though, is that He is also always willing to take us back, so long as we are truly repentant and devote our lives to Him.

Question of the Day:

Are you a believer who feels like God has turned away from  you?  Are you one who wants to believe but hasn't yet made the commitment to follow?  Are you a non-believer who is weary of the oppressive forces at work in your life?  I would challenge all of you, whether you fit into one of these categories or not, to fully and honestly analyze your life to see where you're going astray from God's commands.  All of us need to rebuild our broken covenant with God - the covenant He wrote for us, that He would protect us and give us everlasting life if we give up our all and follow Him faithfully.

Prayer of the Day:

Lord, I know I have broken my end of Your covenant uncountable times.  However, I also trust Your love to overcome my failures.  Take me back into Your comfort and reignite Your covenant, which I have torn asunder so often.  Help me to remember that this covenant is Yours, not my own, and that I have no right to go against it in any way.  Send Your Spirit to guide me away from temptations that You know I can't or won't handle properly, and help me to recognize the Spirit's guidance and accept it.  Amen.