Father,
May we remember that past successes You have worked through us do not guarantee our future successes. You used Gideon to free Israel from the Midianites. He later built an idol and lived violently. Take this knowledge and humble our hearts to depend on You. Guard our hearts and allegiances. As the hymn says we are “Prone to wander… prone to leave” the God we love. May we not look to our own strength but to Jesus who persevered in faithfulness. Thank You that no one in Your hand can ever be plucked out. You have begun a work in Your people and will complete it. We have been sealed with the Holy Spirit.
In considering Abimelech in Judges 9, I thank you for Your justice. Abimelech did evil in Your sight, and You did not overlook it. You brought him to justice. Thank You that with all the injustice in our world, You will bring it to justice. Nothing escapes Your notice. Your eyes are in every place keeping watch on the evil and the good. May Your people love Your justice. May we find hope in Your coming to make all things right, Lord Jesus.
May this also cause us to love Your grace. The sins of Your people have been punished in Christ Jesus. He faced God’s justice for us, so we are not condemned. May we rejoice in this hope. May our family and friends who do not know You turn to You in faith.
In the name of Jesus, who gave Himself for us,
Amen (Judges 8-9; Psalm 15:3; John 10:27-30; Philippians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:13-14; Revelation 19:11-21).
Taken from “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” by Robert Robinson in the public domain.
Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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