Cycles of Decline

March 30

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 1 – 2

Verse of the Day: Judges 2:11 – “And the children of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, and served the Baalim…”

The Book of Judges shows through seven cycles of recorded disobedience and lack of faith how the nation of Israel failed as a theocracy. What a contrast between Joshua and Judges. Consider that in Joshua we see freedom and in Judges we see bondage. In Joshua the people make progress and in Judges they decline. In Joshua they conquest the and through belief and in Judges they are defeated through disbelief. In Joshua sin was judged and in Judges sin was tolerated.

What a vast difference – and example – for us to learn from. Follow, believe and obey God brings victory and rest. Stray, doubt and defy God brings only loss and vexation. Which will you choose today?

Prayer: Father, I choose to follow and obey – give me victory and rest today as I seek You. I seek You above all else. Amen.