So Israel became poverty-stricken because of Midian, and the Israelites cried out to the LORD.

When the Israelites cried out to Him because of Midian, the LORD sent a prophet to them. He said to them, “This is what the LORD God of Israel says: ‘I brought you out of Egypt and out of the place of slavery. I rescued you from the power of Egypt and the power of all who oppressed you. I drove them out before you and gave you their land. I said to you: I am the LORD your God. Do not fear the gods of the Amorites whose land you live in. But you did not obey me.”

Judges 6:7-10 CSB

These poor Israelites are reaping what they have sown. They have been disobedient and now they are paying the price. We spoke yesterday about how our sin has consequences. But in our scripture passage today, the Israelites cried out to the LORD and the LORD sent a prophet to them.

We are told in Isaiah 59:2 that our sins create a barrier between us and God. But in Deuteronomy 31:6 God had made a promise to the Israelites. He is encouraging them to cross the Jordan and not be afraid of the nations that they will have to fight to get into the Promised Land. He promises that He will deliver them, or hand them over, to the Israelites. He tells them to be strong and courageous and not to be afraid of them. He promises that the LORD their God will go with them and will never leave them nor forsake them.

While their sin has caused them to suffer devastating consequences, God has not left them, nor has he forsaken them. But in our scripture passage today, He reminds them of the time that He delivered them from the Egyptians. He reminds them of how He has rescued them before from all who have oppressed them. He then sends a prophet to remind them of these times, but also to remind them that they failed to obey Him.

We serve a God of great jealousy and wrath. He will not tolerate our willful disobedience (Hebrews 10:26). But we also serve a God who loves us and shows us mercy and grace when we truly and wholeheartedly seek Him and repent. He knows what’s in our hearts and He wants us to return to Him.

So, I ask you today, do you remember a specific time when God protected you from your enemy? Can you recall a time when God pulled you up out of a pit or rescued you from someone who was oppressing you? He wants to do this again. He wants you to turn to Him. He wants you to wholeheartedly seek Him (Deuteronomy 4:29, Jeremiah 29:13). He wants you to love Him with all your heart, just as He loves you.

Think back to a time when God rescued you. Choose to reside in the safety of His shelter (Psalm 91:1-2). Trust in Him in these trying times. He won’t let us down. Cry out to Him. Confess your sins and repent. He wants to give you good things (Jeremiah 29:11) and He wants you to have an abundant life (John 10:10). He will rescue us in these trying times just as He has done many times before. Just trust in Him today.

Have a great day!