The Israelites had turned away from the Lord and so he allowed the nations to make life hard for them as a punishment for their sins. The Lord wanted to teach the people to trust in Him. As a result, the Israelites groaned about these enemies.

Then amazingly we read that even though the people were disobeying the Lord and the Lord was punishing them for their disobedience, he still had compassion on them. The covenant Lord still loved his people and so in his love he listened to their groaning and sent them a judge.

The Lord used the judge to teach the people of Israel to repent from their sins and turn back to him. The Lord used the judge to save them from their enemies. And while the judge lived, the people did have rest from their enemies. But as soon as the judge died, they went back to their old sinful ways.

We learn here how loving and gracious our Father is. Whenever the people of Israel turned away from him, the Lord in love called them back to himself through the judges. How does this make you feel? Does it give you comfort?

We are no different than the Israelites really. So often we do the wrong thing. So often we are stubborn and keep on doing the same sins. We don’t always trust the Lord as much as we should. Yet even though we continue to fall into sin time and again, God comes to us in love and grace and calls us to repent, just like he did to the Israelites. No, the Lord doesn’t send us judges today, but he does use your parents, your elders, your pastors, your siblings, your grandparents and your friends to call you to repent.

So when you are told by someone that what you are doing is wrong, know that the Lord is coming to you in love and grace, calling you to repent. Listen to them as they teach you how the Lord wants you to serve him, and thank the Lord for his love!

Reflection with your child:

How does the Lord teach you about your sins?

Source: Sermon by Rev. R. Vermeulen