Podcast

Daily Presence: Take It With You 3/16/2022

Worship

Scripture

In Disney’s Moana there’s a funny little chicken named Hei Hei. He’s that lovable idiot whose antics give the viewer a laugh anytime he’s on-screen. He never seems to know what is going on. Yet, somehow his cluelessness tends to work out for the best purely out of dumb luck.

As I read through Judges, the Israelites kind of remind me of Hei Hei. It’s like they just don’t get it no matter how many times they repeat the cycle. Dishonor God; for forgiveness; fall back into idol worship; rinse and repeat. 

In our reading today we see yet again the Israelites entering into the cycle. Things start going down the drain and they come crawling back to God, begging for forgiveness. I love God’s response:

“Did I not rescue you from the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, the Sidonians, the Amalekites, and the Maonites? When they oppressed you, you cried out to me for help, and I rescued you. Yet you have abandoned me and served other gods. So I will not rescue you anymore. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen! Let them rescue you in your hour of distress!”

If they’re so interested in worshiping these other idols, God says they’re welcome to go for it. Just like us, God does not desire a relationship out of compulsion, but one out of desire. God wants us to want Him. Not from obligation, but out of love.

Out of His love for the Israelites, despite their rebellion, we see one of the most heartbreaking yet encouraging verses of the Bible: “God was grieved by their misery.”

God is grieved by the Israelites’ misery. God is grieved by our misery. He is not this deity on a cosmic throne idly watching us stumble through life. He is a father to us. So, when we are unfaithful to Him in our sin, His heart is grieved. Not because we have chosen rebellion, but because He knows our rebellion will lead to death. 

Yet, He is also faithful. As He was faithful to the Israelites time and time again despite their rebellion and betrayal. Faithful to the point of taking His most precious gift and putting it in our place. What idols are present in your life? What are you clinging to that is grieving the heart of God?

Prayer

HONOR GOD

Our Maker is intently listening to us, right now. Take a moment and share with Him how thankful you are that He’s with us!

ASK GOD

The Lord renews our mind and purifies our thoughts. What are some thoughts you need to give to the Lord? Share those with Him now.

SUBMIT TO GOD

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, we know you are in control. Thank you that we can trust in your power and your word. Help us to recognize the magicians and illusions of this world that will attempt to distract us from your power. May your Holy Spirit lead us through conviction and encouragement to trust in your holy word.  In Jesus Name, Amen