Cycle and Recycle

O. T. #508  "Cycle and Recycle"
April 29, 2015
Judges 2-Part 4
And they forsook... Judges 2:12
And they forsook... Judges 2:13

LET IT GLOW

A cycle is a sequence that is repeated. I seem to get into a cycle of doing certain things over and over again, or doing things the same way, over and over again. Why can't I do it a new way? Do you ever get stuck in a cycle? Israel did. Check out what they recycled.

Oh how the Lord blessed  His children, Israel. Once they crossed the Jordan River, they had His protection and victories over the enemies of the land living in their Promised Land to be conquered. From Moses to Joshua, Aaron to Eleazer, God used men to lead these people. Now, you will recall the repetition of the rules laid down-not worshiping idols and following the ways of the pagans, nor intermarrying with them. God required that only He was to be worshiped, loved, and served. Israel was to be an example and witness to the rest of the world as to a living and loving God.

Yet...
the cycle of sin began-apostasy, repentance, and deliverance.
Idolatry was a struggle for God's people. In the days of the judges, Israel was attracted to the Canaanite gods.  Baal was their storm god who controlled rain, fire, and lightning. Ashtoreth, Baal's spouse, was the goddess of love, war, and fertility. the worship of these false gods included female prostitution and child sacrifice. (David Jeremiah)

The idols represent sensual, carnal, and immoral aspects of human nature. God's nature is spiritual and moral. Adding the worship of idols to the worship of God could not be tolerated.
Have you noticed the little statues in the oriental restaurants ?
Do we pay attention to what is around us?
Are we careful in our witness of Jesus?

Let's get back to the cycle of sin.
Life Application Study Bible says throughout this period of history Israel went through cycles of:

1. rebelling against God,
2. being overrun by enemy nations,
3. being delivered by a God-fearing judge,
4. remaining loyal to God under that judge,
5. again forgetting God when the judge died.

Don't we tend to follow the same cycle? We remain loyal to God as long as we are near those devoted to Him. When we are on our own, and the pressure to be drawn away from God increases, we drift away. Are we determined to be faithful to Him despite the difficult situations we may encounter? Stay in contact with other believers, especially in worship services.

How thankful we should be for the mercies of God as we go through the sin cycle.

LET IT GROW

Because Israel did not teach the next generation about God, they:

• did evil in the sight of the LORD; (verse 11)
• served Baalim; (verse 11)
• forsook the LORD God of their fathers; (verse 12)
• followed other gods of the people; (verse 12)
• bowed themselves unto them; (verse 12)
• provoked the LORD to anger; (verse 12)
• forsook the LORD and served Baal and Ashtaroth. (verse 13)

As a result of all that, the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, delivered them into the hands of their enemies. Thus, Israel could not any longer stand before their enemies. So wherever they went, the LORD's hand was against them because of the sinful evil. Israel became greatly distressed.

Now, the Lord raised up judges to deliver them from the hands of those that spoiled them. (verse 16)
There's the mercy.
What do we need delivering from, dear ones?

LET IT GO
                    ...of anything that I put before God.
                              ...of those attitudes and grumblings not pleasing to God.
                              ...of sin by repenting and asking for forgiveness.
                              ...and let God take control of my life.
                              ... and let God.