Series: Spiritual Decay [#9]
THE CRY OF GOD’S PEOPLE
Judges 10:1-18
Introduction:
In the last chapter, Gaal was trying to overthrow Abimelek, who had been a self-appointed King after killing 70 of his brothers. Both Abimelek and Gaal were killed.
Judges 10:1-2
Judges 10:3-5
After Tola died, God appointed Jair as the Judge; and he ruled for 22 years. All we know about Jair is that he had 30 sons who controlled 30 towns.
We will see that after Jair died, Israel began to sin against God again. Once again, we see this cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes Israel's history in Judges. Each time Israel went through this cycle, it ended by the people crying out to God.
Judges 10:6-8
The cry of…
1. Sin.
The people of Israel fell back into idolatry, serving Baals and Ashtaroth, provoking God’s anger. They committed evil in the sight of the Lord, leading to His withdrawal of protection. Sin not only has consequences but breeds chaos. The Israelites "served the Baals" and other idols, rejecting their covenant with Yahweh. Sin is like a corrosive substance that eats away at your well-being and relationships, reflecting how Israel’s rebellion led them deeper into distress.
Each of us needs to identify personal idols or blind spots in our lives. Sin distorts our relationship with God and leads to bondage. The cry of sin is usually the loudest in moments of crisis, but it is essential to recognize those signs before reaching despair.
Judges 10:9-10
The cry of...
2. Desperation.
As the Ammonites oppressed Israel, they cried out in desperation, finally admitting their sinfulness and turning back to God. Desperation can lead to genuine repentance. The Israelites reached a point where they could no longer endure their suffering. How many times have you waited until you have hit rock bottom before you cried out to God in desperation? While many people believe that feeling desperate is weak, it is a step towards restoration- Turn your desperation into desperation for God.
Judges 10:11-14
The cry of…
3. Acknowledgment.
In response to their cry, God reminds Israel of their history and His past deliverances, asking them why they have turned to other gods. Acknowledging past actions is critical for transformation. God reminds them of their history with Him, pointing out their unfaithfulness but also His previous acts of mercy. You have to be willing to acknowledge your failures and when you drift away from God; but also acknowledge how God has intervened in your life.
Judges 10:15-18
The cry of…
4. Commitment.
The Israelites expressed their genuine sorrow and desire for help, committing to forsake their foreign gods and return to the Lord. Genuine commitment follows acknowledgment and leads to transformation. Their cry for deliverance is intertwined with a commitment to change.
Conclusion:
Our text teaches us about the importance of recognizing our sinful tendencies and the necessity of returning to God with sincerity. It reminds us that while we may experience times of distress as a result of disobedience, God is always ready to respond to our cries for help. As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that no matter how far we stray, God hears our cries. May we choose to turn to Him, seek His face earnestly, and trust in His promise to deliver us, just as He did for the Israelites.
