The Joy of Glory

Judges 2:11-19 (click here)
And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals.

So the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he gave them over to plunderers, who plundered them.

Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them. Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they whored after other gods and bowed down to them. (Judges 2:11, 14, and 16-17)

Reflection
So quickly…so quickly we turn from the Lord.

The people of Israel had not been in the Promised Land long at all before they began turning from the Lord to serve the gods of those who had inhabited the land before them. Yet, the speed of their unfaithfulness is not the truly amazing thing. What is amazing is the speed of God’s faithfulness.

So quickly…so quickly we receive grace from the Lord.

Yes, the people of Israel experienced God’s just judgment as he turned them over to plunderers. But even in this he was being faithful to his Word, for he had promised this very response to such rebellion.

Yet, he never abandoned his people. He graciously raised up judges, warriors, saviors for this rebellious undeserving people. They would continue to quickly turn from the Lord and he would continue to quickly show grace.

This is our story…is it not? Oh how quickly we turn from the Lord, and yes, as his children we may experience his good, faithful disciplining hand…but even that is a great grace! Oh how quickly we receive grace from the Lord through the savior he has raised up for us…through Jesus.

We may be quick to turn from the Lord…but the Lord is quicker to turn to us in grace.

*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.