Why Then Is All This Befallen Us?

Dear class,

Today's reading is taken from Judges 6-8.

The account centers around the judge Gideon.
One of things that we may find ourselves asking is the sentiment expressed by Gideon in Jdg 6:13. We know the answer having the benefit of hindsight. And it is clear in this case due to Israel's spiritual infidelity.
Yet even at times, one feels forsaken of God even when it seems we've done nothing wrong. People like Job come to our mind. At the end of the day, we know that God will never forsake the righteous or those who seek to make right. And yes! Even to unbelievers who have a desire to seek Him (note the example of Cornelius).
Well did the psalmist write
Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Psa 37:24  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psa 37:25  I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Our focus, should and always be on doing right! Regardless of the circumstance!
For again we read:
Psa 37:27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
Psa 37:28  For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

The concluding verses in chapter 8 paint a regrettable picture, yet again, an important and sobering reminder for us all. Gideon did perhaps wanted to give God glory for his exploits (Jdg 8:23) yet, one can't help but wonder at his motivation for making the gold ephod, perhaps as some kind of trophy, which proved to become a stone of stumbling (Jdg 8:27).
Take heed brethren! Well did Paul write "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." (1Co 10:12)
Truly, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." (Pro 16:18)

Let us be well reminded to learn of the examples before us (1Co 10:11), not be distracted by trials and success alike and continue stedfastly in our Christian endeavour in all humility and vigilance.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul


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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