The party is over! Unfortunately the people of Israel did not remain faithful to God and because of that their blessings in the promise land did not last for long. It’s very tragic that instead of having a picture of joy and hope for the future, the Israelites are described by the author of Judges as people who were “In great distress” (Judges 2: 15)
Great distress is the regular label that we can assign to many people all around the world in this modern time. But what was the reason why the Israelites were in great distress? From the outside we might blame their terrible enemies who were oppressing and plundering them, but from the inside we have a reason that normally we do not want to deal with, and that is ignorance of God and God’s work.
The writer tells us that “Another generation grew up after them, who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for
Israel.” (Judges 2: 10) No relationship with God at all, for some reason that the author did not tells us, they just withdrew their life from God.
They wanted the gift but they did not want the Giver. The problem was that this wonderful land did not have any joy or grace without the Giver. During these times there is no difference, all of this works exactly the same. People who want to have a good life without the Giver will end up finding only distress.
God’s faithfulness anyway was demonstrated time after time for the Israelites because even thou they did not know him or follow him, He “Raised up judges, who delivered them out the power of those who plunder them.” (Judges 2: 16)
How persistent is our God! He just cannot give up in showing his wonderful love to those he has chosen. Are you aware that God has been using different kinds of situations and people in order to bring you back to his blessings?
Remain close to the Giver if not your fiesta will be over!