‘Mercy and Patience’

Are we faithful to God and his wisdom?

Often, I find myself in a pattern of turning to God in times of desperate need, more than celebration or gratification.

I understand that I am a flawed individual, and unfortunately so are you. However there is a hope, the book of Judges highlights the human weakness in the leaders of Israel as the go through a cycle of Sin: The Israelites repeatedly turn away from God, worshipping other gods and engaging in immoral behaviour. Oppression: As a consequence of their unfaithfulness, God allows them to be oppressed by surrounding enemies. Repentance: In their suffering, the Israelites cry out to God for help. Deliverance: God raises up judges (leaders) to deliver the Israelites from their oppression and restore peace.

The book highlights a gradual decline in the moral and spiritual state of Israel, culminating in chaos and anarchy. The repeated phrase, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes,”

After a series of lawlessness, the judges are seen as flawed and imperfect leaders whom God uses to accomplish His purposes. Their stories illustrate how God can work through imperfect people to deliver His people.

We as leaders and children of God are not called to be perfect, but to be faithful. We will stray from God’s perfect plan, but let us repent and not flee, be restored and delivered.

Let us not look inwardly but outwardly to the righteous leader, the perfect guide in our lives, strong in wisdom, mercy and patience.