Scripture: Then the land had peace forty years. Judges 5:31b
Observation: Doing some math ... the time of Deborah was 40 years, there were 20 years between her and Ehud, who was the judge for 80 years after himself 15 years of oppression, after Othniel who was judge 40 years. So at the end of Judges 5, we are 195 years into the judges era. Since Joshua died at age 110 and likely was a man of ~30 when he was first a spy, the Moses/Joshua era therefore lasted at least 80 years. Thus we are over 275 years removed from the Exodus at this time.
Application: We may be very quick to denounce Israel's fall, however in the passage of human history 275 years is a very long time. That significantly exceeds the current age of the U.S. ... a nation that has utterly lost its identity, faith, and founding principles.
That said, Israel had God as an active participant in their world. Stories about his presence, heroics, and miracles were very much alive. Any straying is not really acceptable.
Therefore, how much more so when I struggle to obey God when he has performed miracles and shown love in my life ... earlier this week! Or at the very least, within the last several years. God has done many things I see and acknowledge, so how dare I doubt even a little bit.
Prayer: Again today, Lord, I say thank you for your love, patience, and mercy. May I return that love to you through faith, honor, obedience, and service to others. Please guide me in my daily walk again today. Amen.
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