Tuesday, February 5, 2019

A VERY FAT DICTATOR REMOVED

Today’s Reading: JUDGES 3

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

 

Tel Lachish National Park. According to the Bible, the Israelites captured and destroyed Lachish for joining the league against the Gibeonites (Joshua 10:31-33), but its territory was later assigned to the tribe of Judah (15:39) and became a part of the Kingdom of Israel.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verses: Judges 3:9, 15a

When the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel, who delivered them: Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother….But when the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for them: Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man…

 

Every year Israelite parents were to bring their children to Mt. Gerizim (Shechem) and show them the stone of witness on which was written the summary of the commandments which Moses, and Joshua after him, had given in his final words to the people of God (Joshua 24:27). We can be confident that Caleb’s nephew, Othniel, the first Judge, saw that stone, and then Ehud, the next Judge, also got the message written on that stone. Today’s reading gives a graphic account of Ehud plunging a dagger into the fat belly of King Eglon of Moab as a judgment on his wickedness (Joshua 3:15-23). In Israel, there was always a remnant of the people who were faithful to the God of their fathers, but they may have been silent, not taking a public stand for righteousness. When they did stand up, God stood up for them. Our reading today lets us know that there were, in total, 26 years of serving foreign rulers and 120 years of freedom and prosperity.

Thank God that the Spirit of God is still calling brave and godly leaders. Let us rally around and support them as they lead us in evangelism and in strong growth of God’s people, the Church.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

I join the Apostle Paul and ask You, Lord God, “May Israel be saved” (Romans 10:1). There is a modern remnant of those who seek to do Your will, and thousands of Israelis who believe in Jesus, Yeshua, as their Saviour and Lord. In these times when destruction looms over Israel, may the people cry out to You as they did in the times of Othniel and Ehud. In Yeshua’s Name I pray, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve had the opportunity of spending much time in modern Israel. God’s purposes there are underway. Two former team members of Crossroads co-founded one of the churches in Jerusalem. Wayne and Ann Hilsden are in my prayers consistently. Their congregation, which they pastored for over 30 years, is strong (check it out here), as are many congregations in Israel.

Biblical names are common there, such as, Ehud Barak, former minister of Defense and a former Prime Minister of Israel.

I’ve entitled today’s reading after Eglon, King of Moab, who lived in a rebuilt Jericho, known as “The City of the Palms.” It’s a gruesome story, but that’s war. I’m interested in archaeology and Eglon’s palace has been found (here’s a link if interested – scroll down to find the section on “Judges” then the subtitle “Eglon’s Palace at Jericho”).

Also, I initiated the placing of a stone of witness at the Crossroads Centre in 1999. A link to a video of the stone’s dedication is here. I encourage the reading of the Scripture on its plaque (Jeremiah 6:16). May it serve God’s purpose as did the stone of witness in Joshua 24.

Yours in support of God’s leaders who serve God’s cause with boldness and wisdom,

David

Ruins of ancient Lachish at Tel Lachish National Park.

3 thoughts on “Tuesday, February 5, 2019

  1. Thank you to Ron, Ann, and the Crossroads people who make David’s 100 Words a part of our daily devotions. May our Lord bless you and continue His support as you bring His message of hope and love to all who follow your posts.
    Thank you to all those on this blog who bring messages of encouragement and acceptance, and for those who pray for each other. You have created a welcoming and safe place to learn and grow in our Christian walk together.

  2. I believe it was Ehud Barak who dressed in drag during a daring operation in Lebanon.He was Israels most decorated soldier too.https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4509923,00.html

    The scripture below reflects my belief that ‘we have to get back to the old ways’,the years after WWII,as much as possible,especially with regard to morals.That would come if the nations begin again to seek Jesus.May God bless

    Jeremiah 6:16 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
    16 Thus says the Lord:
    Stand at the crossroads, and look,
    and ask for the ancient paths,
    where the good way lies; and walk in it,
    and find rest for your souls.
    But they said, “We will not walk in it.”

    The Mountains Of The Lord

    His mountains shall be above all mountains,
    His house above Zion’s hills shall rest,
    For this is the pool of the golden fountain,
    His people,the chosen few and best.

    The rivers will flow to the shores of Zion,
    For the world will soon know this King,
    The proven Master we could rely on,
    The Shepherd worthy above everything.

    His exalted name will be widely praised,
    When He returns to vanquish the beast,
    And everywhere voices will be raised
    In cellebration with His banquet feast.

    Let fair warning go throughout the land
    He will return with shield and sword
    And as Satan shall take his last stand,
    My Friend shall show that He is Lord.
    G W (Bill)Marshall /Nov 9,2012

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