Hearing from God

It was a time when Israel found themselves “brought very low,” and even dominated by a neighboring nation. As conditions deteriorated, they began to realize why they were experiencing so much trouble.

They realized that they had disobeyed God. They had ignored His Word and embraced beliefs and lifestyles that were offensive to Him. But eventually they realized that they needed to change. They became willing to repent and turn back to God.

After they began to seek Him, God answered their cry by sending a prophet to declare His Word. So they could understand His perspective, He wanted them to learn from their experiences and mistakes.

Recalling their history, God reminded them that He had brought them out their slavery in Egypt. How He had delivered them “from the hands of all your oppressors.” How He had provided them with a new homeland and blessed them abundantly. He also reminded them that they had not obeyed Him and committed themselves to “the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live.”

In the days to come, God would provide deliverance, calling Gideon to lead them to victory. But this help only happened because they humbled themselves before Him, and because they turned to Him, and were willing to change their ways.

The Bible is filled with stories of people who had been taught the truth. Who knew God’s Word. Who, in spite of having been warned of the consequences of rejecting Him, had disobeyed and gone their way. But, over and over, God continued to love them. How eager He was to help. If they repented. If they turned to Him out of sincere hearts.