Judges 3:9–11 ‘But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, who saved them.’ (v9)
The book of Judges relates the story of twelve Judges. The likes of Gideon, Samson and Deborah are well known but some, like Othniel, have just a few verses devoted to them.
This is in the pre- monarchy days, and we see the classic cycle within Judges: Israel sins, God allows enemies to defeat them, they cry out to God, God sends a deliverer.
In this case it was the Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram- naharaim (not an easy name to print on his battle gear…).
Note it was eight years that they were under the cosh (no pun intended). What were you doing eight years ago?
If you were under slavery to something, how long was it before you cried out to the Lord? Othniel is not well known in part because we have so few details.
We know the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and Othniel simply ‘prevailed against him’, but it was enough, and forty years of peace were the result.
You may have a clever strategy or two to get you or your church out of a fix but, whatever it is, you will get nowhere without the Spirit of God.
Whether He anoints you for a particular task, or whether you are one of many, today we live in the good of Jesus, who has delivered His people once and for all.
You can be sure that people you know are being led and enslaved by stuff and by people. Have you seen the stats regarding addictions and mental health challenges?
How long are we going to wait before we get serious? Eight years? Would that we would see immediately what needs doing and needs praying for and ask God to provide.
A Prayer To Make:
Lord, please show me the needs of those around me and help me to bring Your love and light into people’s lives. Amen.
An Action To Take:
What are the challenges and needs of people in your local community? Get together with others in your church to pray about ways to help.
Scripture To Consider:
Zechariah 4:1-6; Joel 2:28-32; Rom. 8:1-11; Gal 5:1-6
