LESSONS WE LEARN FROM ISRAEL’S FIRST JUDGE

11 hours ago
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Wednesday, June 10 Read: Luke 19:1-10

“(The Lord) raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel. ...” - Judges 3: 9

Othniel is important in biblical history as he was the first judge listed in the Book of Judges. He was from the tribe of Judah. Othniel means, “God is might,” and he clearly lived up to his name. Because the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, His anger burned against them and He sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, King of Mesopotamia. After eight years of bondage, the people cried out to God for help and the Lord raised up for them Othniel, who defeated the King of Mesopotamia. Othniel was a man of great courage and bravery. He was useful to the Lord because the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. (Judges 3:10) Othniel did not possess the power to deliver Israel within himself. But when the Spirit of God took control of his life, God was able to use him in great ways. It was not Othniel who delivered Israel, but it was God who did it through Othniel.

Dear friends, Othniel reminds us that God can use anyone.Regardless of how old we might be, regardless of who we are and what we have, God can use us for His glory if we will make ourselves available to Him. Since Othniel was willing to be used by the Lord, He used him in a mighty way. Next Othniel yielded himself to the Spirit’s leading. The only way we will ever be useful to the Lord is when we are controlled by the Spirit, like Othniel was. The Spirit of the Lord will enable us to stand against our enemies. He will make us powerful for the glory of the Lord and use us in ways we can hardly imagine.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Othniel was an ordinary man, but when the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, he became powerful, strong and courageous that he was able to bring about a great deliverance to his people. I humbly submit myself to be used by You. Fill me with Your Spirit and empower me. Amen.

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