Scripture:
“The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. The anger of the Lord burned against Israel so that he sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years. But when they cried out to the Lord, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, who saved them. The Spirit of the Lord came on him, so that he became Israel’s judge and went to war. The Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died.” Judges 3:7-11 (NIV)
Perspective:
The Israelites were going through a time in their history when they did not have a king. So, God raised up individuals who functioned as judges to lead the people. When they did not have someone leading them, the people tended to follow the people who were living around them. God was not honored, and they were sent into slavery. But, God did not silence their cries for help. He still had someone who could lead the people. Remember how Joshua and Caleb were the only two original spies that went to the Promised Land? Caleb’s brother had a son, Othniel, who had watched his family walk with God. So, God appointed Othniel for the task of delivering the people. When he willingly stood up, peace was the result.
The legacy you live matters. You may be raising up a child who will one day be positioned in such a way to bring about good. You may be the one who has lived under the umbrella of God’s blessing. Either way, believing today fuels faith for tomorrow. What if God wants to use you as an agent of peace in the situation you are currently facing? Othniel was positioned by God for a specific time to help the people out of a very bad situation. He didn’t stand back and do nothing. He would have heard the stories that his uncle Caleb would have shared about how his belief allowed him to enter the Promised Land. God empowered Othniel to lead the people as He had Joshua and Caleb. God wants to empower you today as well. As you step out as God directs you, He can use you to bring peace all around you.
THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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About Hona Amer
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