Title: God's Triple Providence/Judges 10:10-16
Contents This evening, I would like to share a message about God's threefold providence with a focus on the text.
In Judges 10, after a brief introduction of the actions of two small judges, Dullah and Jair, Israel continues to sin again and suffer the oppression of the Gentiles. Also, the text emphasizes God's love for the people who groan after being disciplined by God for their idolatry, but with a pathetic heart when the people truly repent and take care of their suffering (10- Verse 16) deserves special attention. God's double providence, which establishes strict justice and shows true mercy to those who repent, is like the principle of God's mercy that continues from the beginning to the end. Today, we want to share the grace of God by examining the threefold providence of God.
1. God rebukes sinners
2. God Hears the Call for Salvation
Verse 15 shows that the Israelites were deeply aware of their sins and at the same time that they were deeply aware that they could not change God's will by their own strength. In other words, it is a bit late for their attitude to submit to God's will, but they still have the attitude of genuine repentance. It is an expression of sincere confession that they will no longer worship vain idols again, realizing that they have been subjected to invasion and abuse by the Ammonites as a judgment of God against idolatry and apostasy. In particular, the expression “(Judges 10:15) ~ deliver us today” is the part that appeals to the last salvation of Israel, who gave up their will and took even more discipline. Clearly remember that God hears our grieving supplications when we are in peril dangerous situations.
3. God of Mercy
Looking at the repentance process of the people of Israel so far, first-they confessed their sins to God (verse 10), second-they prepared their hearts to submit to God's will (verse 15), and third-and their sins With their confession, they went one step further and boldly departed from the sins they confessed. So, you can see that their repentance through this process is true repentance. The people of Israel did not only repent with words, but with all their heart and devotion, they were repenting of their knowledge, affection, and righteousness toward God as a whole. So, verse 16 of the text clearly expresses this, "(Judges 10:16) He took away foreign gods from among them and served the Lord." Only then did Israel bear the true fruits of repentance. God did not overlook the tragedy of Israel when he said to the repentant Israel in this way (Judges 10:16), "The Lord was grieved in his heart because of Israel's affliction." That's what you've been planning to do.
I will conclude
Even today, God of mercy gives good things to those who repent as a whole through intelligence, justice, and righteousness. Am I without sin worthy of God's rebuke now? Is nothing wrong? Are there any mistakes? Let's take a look. Also, are you putting those issues before God? I sincerely hope that true repentance will be proclaimed to you, true joy, liberty, and freedom.
Prayer: God! I have a very heavy burden of guilt and pleasure and pleasure in the world. Wash me clean with the blood of Jesus Christ and live a pure life. Let the work of true repentance take place deep in my heart and in my actions. -Amen-