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March 12, 2019

Judges 2:18-19

Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the Lord relented because of their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them. But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.

Psalm 71:17-18

Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
    and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
Even when I am old and gray,
    do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
    your mighty acts to all who are to come.

New International Version (NIV)

All’s well that ends well, but ending well is not a guarantee. Not long ago a prominent minister whom I had held in high regard was caught in foolish sin. The legacy of a lifetime of godly leadership was lost in a moment. The story has been repeated so many times. A person starts well with the Lord but walks away from the Lord later in life. Why is this so?

Moses and Joshua both ended well, but what about the people of God? After the passing of these dynamic leaders, the people of Israel struggled to completely take the land God promised them. Instead, they made themselves at home with the people who lived in the land, intermarrying with them and worshiping their gods. When they were oppressed they cried out to God and he sent them judges. These local leaders led parts of Israel for a season, but when they died, the people of Israel returned to their sinful idolatry with a vengeance.

Our Psalm for today helps us and gives us hope. Earlier in the Psalm the writer remembered that God had been with him from the moment of his birth (Psalm 71:6). Friends of mine are preparing for their first child even as I write. God will be with their new son Luke from the moment he is born. The writer has been taught as a disciple since his youth. He continues to serve the Lord even as he writes this Psalm. In verse 18 he describes his vision and intention. He sees himself finishing well and he has every intention of doing so. He wants to declare the power of God to the next generation. So do I. Let’s make a covenant today to run through the finish line together, finishing strong.

Pray with me:

Father, you have always been there. From the moment we were conceived to this very moment, your presence has attended us. Now, Father, enable us to take your good news to new generations on the horizon. Give us the grace to complete what you have called us to do. Make us faithful as you are faithful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan. Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download
the app at readscripture.org. Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully,
Duane

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