Judges 3:1-8

 Chapters 1and 2 give us an overall view of the times of the judges.  Beginning in chapter 3 we get more details from this unknown writer.  Verses 1-8 sum up the main problem which Israel had.. they failed the test.  "Now, these are then nations which the Lord left, to test Israel by them.. " 

A generation after those who had fought for the promised land, there was a new generation who did not know how to fight. They were surrounded by Philistines, Canaanites, Sidonians, and Hivites. The Lord tested Israel "to find out if they would obey the commandments of the Lord, which He had commanded their fathers through Moses." 

But.. instead of fighting and fearing the Lord and keeping His commandments.. the people compromised and took the easier road.. they intermarried with them; they gave their daughters to the sons of the enemy.. "And the sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asheroth." 

"Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel.. "  

What kind of people are we?We are surrounded by people who have no knowledge of the One True God.. people who think that God does not exist.. or that He doesn't care.. people who do what is right in their own eyes and feel no remorse or regret... Do we stand apart as servants of the Lord.. do we pass the test?  Or are we more like the Israelites than we care to admit?  How many churches today have compromised the clear Truth of the Word of God and intermingled with those who do not believe in a Holy God who declares that evil is evil?  Too many.. even 1 is too many.. they have not passed God's test. 

Paul warned Timothy to watch out for those who "accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths. "  Preach the Word.. "reprove, rebuke, exhort.. " Paul tells Timothy and we are reminded that every pastor and every believer must be constantly in the Word of Truth! "Be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.. " 

Father, may we be strong and courageous in the midst of unbelievers who would have us accept what is unacceptable in Your eyes.  Help us to have discernment and wisdom.. help us to teach our children and grandchildren how to walk with You.. how to fight the good fight.. how to stand firm in Your strength. We arm ourselves with Your Holy armor.. truth, righteousness, peace, salvation, faith, and the Holy Spirit who fills us and works in us all that You have purposed for each of us according to Your will. Our surrender is to You, the Lord God Almighty and we trust You to fight for us.. and we.. with Your help.. will not forget our God. Amen!