Devotional
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Daily Readings: Ruth 3 and Psalm 47 Another of God’s laws of generous justice was the law of the guardian-redeemer – the “goel” in Hebrew. The “goel” carried a number of responsibilities within the extended family context of God’s people. Essentially he was the nearest adult male relative, and his responsibility was to buy family…
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Daily Readings: Ruth 2 and Psalm 46 In Judges we saw that, in general during this era, the Israelites were living without reference to God and His Law. They were all doing just “as they saw fit”. Yet here in Ruth 2 we discover a community in Israel living righteously and in line with God’s…
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Daily Readings: Ruth 1 and Psalm 45 Confession time … What a relief to be done with Judges. The whole book could really be summed up in its closing sentence (which we read yesterday): “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” We have spent weeks now witnessing the disastrous…
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Daily Readings: Judges 21 and Psalm 44 As I read Judges 21 everything in me cries out “NO!!!” This is so wrong. The cycle of violence has spiralled and excessive vengeance has been taken, followed by a foolish oath. Now they ask ‘Lord, God of Israel, why has this happened to Israel? Why should one…
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Daily Readings: Judges 20 and Psalm 43. There is much one could say about the events of this chapter of Judges. One thing stands out to me in the context of the horrific events currently unfolding in the Ukraine, though. In verses 13-14 the Israelites say:”‘Now turn those wicked men of Gibeah over to us…
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Daily Readings: Judges 19 and Psalm 42 Judges 19:1 echoes the refrain of chapters 17-18, “There was no king in Israel”. That doesn’t only mean that there was no earthly king. It also informs us that even God was not given His proper honour as King of His people. That certainly showed! The events that…
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Daily readings: Judges 17-18 and Psalm 41 Unless we notice Judges 17:6 very clearly, we will fail to understand the next few chapters of Judges: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” This is an absolute recipe for disaster and precedes chapter upon chapter of woeful sin, superstition and…
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Daily Readings: Judges 16 and Psalm 40 What struck me as I read this account today was how much of a “lone ranger” Samson was. He seems to have drifted through life without any friends or companions, going from one selfish sexual relationship to the next; getting into one solo battle after another. How much…
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Daily Readings: Judges 15 and Psalm 39 “The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands.” (Judges 15:14). If ever there was a Biblical “hero” whose character and behaviour appears utterly ungodly, it’s Samson. Yet, when Samson was committing all these…
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Daily Readings: Judges 14 and Psalm 38 Judges 14:3-4 reminds us yet again of the sovereign and inexplicable ways of God. Even Samson’s apparent rudeness, stubbornness and disrespect for parental advice (which is not God’s will) can be turned around by God to accomplish God’s plans and purposes. While this might be very puzzling and…
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