Dear Editor,
Despite the drizzly weather Tuesday morning, thirty- plus faithful and determined men, women and youth came to honor God, proclaim His Word, and bless our community during the Statewide Bible Reading Marathon. Their presence was a visible demonstration that they are NOT ASHAMED of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit put His umbrella of protection from rain over us as He anointed this time as the Scriptures were read. It was truly a special time before the Lord, and I am thankful to each one who stood with us that morning, as well as those who remained in their vehicles to listen.
Jones County’s reading portion was Judges 19 - Ruth 4. In preparation for this yearly event, my husband and I read our assigned passages ahead of time so that we know what to expect. It had been a while since I read through the book of Judges, and I must admit, we were a little dismayed after reading the opening chapter. You will understand why when you read Judges 19 for yourself.
Judges 1-18 opens with Israel’s military triumphs and progressive compromises, and follows the cycle of the rise and fall of Israel’s judges, which resulted in societal decay and spiritual ruin for God’s chosen people. Judges is the story of conquest turning into compromise. The tribes were finally settled in the land, but their hearts drifted from the God who gave it. This is what happens when people forget the covenant and everyone does what is right in his own eyes.
This cycle of falling away, forgetting God, and doing what we feel is right in our own eyes, continues today. Incomplete or compromised obedience to God will always lead to societal decay and spiritual ruin. The decline begins when God’s people lose sight of His Word and live by their own wisdom.
Praise God for the examples given for us in the book of Judges. These examples demonstrate His mercy and faithfulness to His covenant with Israel and all who have been born-again into His Kingdom.
The book of Ruth is a story of faithfulness, love, obedience, and a kinsman redeemer. It is a preview of Jesus, our Kinsman Redeemer, who rescues us from spiritual darkness and eternal death.
Within the Scriptures read in Jones County, we see proof that our God disciplines in love (for our benefit), delivers in mercy (for He is longsuffering and full of grace), and remains faithful (for that is who He is), even when His people are faithless. There may be full consequences for our incomplete obedience, but our God is willing to forgive and deliver those who sincerely turn back to Him. He is our Kinsman Redeemer!
Heavenly Father, thank You for your Holy Word. Help us to discipline ourselves to daily remember and obey Your Word. Your name is Mercy. Your name is Grace. Thank You forever, our Kinsman Redeemer.
Sincerely, Debra Hall
