Recognizing First-Hand Knowledge

Scripture: Moreover, that whole generation was gathered to their ancestors, and another generation grew up after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. Judges 6:10-11

Observation: When Joshua dies, it says that Israel remained faithful throughout the lives of the people and elders who had seen and experienced all the Lord had done for Israel. However, that generation completely dies, and a new generation rises that "did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel." Immediately it says they did what was evil and turned to other gods.

It becomes clear that first-hand knowledge of the Lord - and especially knowledge of what the Lord has done to bless and protect someone - is a component of faith and therefore obedience. Even with the amazing stories Israel has of the Lord rescuing them, feeding them for years, guiding them into the promised land, and vanquishing established nations ... those who hear the story struggle to believe and obey as those who lived through the experience did. Their faith waivers, what should be the anchor tenants of their lives weaken, and they seek "meaning" or "foundation" or "purpose" for their lives outside of Yahweh. This leads to evil, sin, disobedience, and misplaced service to other 'gods'.

Application: It is critical to remember what the Lord has done for me. I absolutely know for certain that the Lord has taken action in my life to guide, restore, and bless me! My faith is strongest when I remember this first-hand knowledge of his work and love and goodness and grace.

So how difficult it is for others to find faith in Jesus when they refuse to believe that God has aided them in their lives!! Perhaps they don't even believe God exists. Perhaps they believe as I once did, in a passive, ambivalent kind of god who may or may not get involved in the lives of people ... and even in doing so may or may not care if his actions are helpful or harmful anyway.

When you don't believe in a loving God, you can't see the first-hand experiences you have had with God. Over and over, we know that such an experiential void impedes faith (even for a strong disciple like Thomas).

Part of evangelism, therefore, must be experiential. We must help people realize the truth of experiences they have had in life, and recognize the role of the loving, compassionate, merciful creator.

Prayer: Lord, I pray generally for all those who don't believe, that they may both have experiences by your hand, and be awakened in their hearts to know first-hand it is you working in their lives. I specifically pray for Eric, whom I know had such experiences and has been trying to discern the reality of those experiences. May he recognize the knowledge he has, and gain faith by that knowledge. Amen.