Read the Word:
Judges 2:16-23
Meditate on the Word:
This passage discusses a pattern that will be repeated twelve times during the period of the Judges. The people will turn and worship other gods. Then they will be oppressed by other nations. Then, when they cry out, God will raise up a judge to save them from their enemy. After that, when the judge dies, they will return to the behavior that led to judgment. One would think that they would learn.
Unfaithfulness to God is often described in terms of adultery or prostitution. Some English translations, including the King James and the English Standard Version use the term “whored” or “whoring”. That word is appropriate, because it highlights the vulgarity of following another god. It can be tempting to minimize our sinful behaviors. We like terms such as misstep, as if stumbling on a path. Or mistake, like forgetting to carry the one in addition. Or some other term that makes it seem less disgusting than it is. But we must see our sin like God does.
Pray the Word:
Ask the Lord to reveal to you any idols that you are tempted to chase. Turn away from them and back to God.
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