November 29: Othniel


Judges 3:7-11

As we start to prepare for the 2021 Christmas season, it is good to reflect on the subject and purpose of the Holiday. Jesus, more than a babe in a manger, is the Judge of all the earth as recorded in Genesis 18:25.

Judgment is always necessary in scripture, that the righteous may be vindicated, and the unrighteous may be punished. The very fact that Jesus came to earth that He might become sin for us, taking that punishment for all who repent and receive this gift of salvation.

In the passage listed for this devotion, God’s people have lived contrary to His teachings and expectations. As such, God’s anger brings them into bondage for their wrong living. When things become distressing enough, we find them crying out to Him for deliverance. It is not until then that God raises up Othniel, as judge, to deliver His people.

Here we are about to close out 2021 following the events that have emerged since 2020. For a student of the Bible, could what we have been experiencing have anything to do with not knowing, or not really considering our attitudes and behaviors towards God’s standards, expectations, and judgments.

Could it be time for God’s people to cry out to the Lord? Jesus, as Judge of all the earth, should be returning anytime soon! Titus 3:11-15

Pastor Mark Englebert
Door Bible Baptist – Sturgeon Bay










Comments

  1. a studentNovember 29, 2021 at 8:32 AM

    Thank you Pastor Mark Englebert for your devotional on Judges 3:7-11. My husband and I had an interesting discussion as a result of reading your comments. Later, after rereading your closing question and Scripture reference, I asked myself, "What other New Testament verses go along with your teaching from this passage about Othniel"? Additionally, to fit with the Introduction to this year's Advent booklet, I asked "How does the Biblical judge Othniel give us a glimpse of the Messiah"? And finally, "What are other practical applications from Judges 3:7-11"? In answering the above questions, I turned to many Bible verses and have been encouraged. I'm very thankful that we have the written Word of God available to us. May we all have a Christ-filled, meaningful Advent season.

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