They Chose New Gods

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Judges 4,5

We read of yet another prominent woman in the bible - the only recorded woman judge, Deborah. She was also known as a prophetess (Jdg 4:4). God certainly finds use for whomever He deems fit for the purpose for God is no respecter of persons (Rom 2:11). As a side note, we realise that woman can and do serve an important role in the work of the Lord. These being the "times of ignorance" is one and the other, pointing to the sad state of spiritual affairs that Israel had come to at this point of history that there were no able men to rise up to the occasion. Even so, we read that Deborah enocoraged Barak to lead the incursion on Jabin (Jdg 4:6).

The sad state of affairs in Israel is summed up in Jdg 5:8a - They chose new gods
Note that it is a CHOICE that one can make. But when man chooses to distance himself from God and follow after mammon, the end result is only certain destruction. (c.f. Pro 14:12; 16:25)

Today, we face the same challenges and temptations. When we choose to follow after things of the world, have we not chosen "new gods"? Paul reminded us that covetousness is idolatry (Col 3:5). Indeed, we can only choose to serve one master. (Mat 6:24)
In the conclusion of same song that Deborah penned, she alluded to the solution - love the Lord (Jdg 5:31). And we know what that means (Jhn 14:15). Choose, but choose wisely! Choose the side that ALWAYS and ULTIMATELY wins! And make sure we stick to our choice though thick and thin. Again in Col 3, Paul exhorts us to "set our (your) affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Col 3:2)

Even while Joshua's encouragement rings in our head (Jos 24:15), may the Lord be with us all to always choose the right side.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. ~ Acts 20:7