The Big Test

 "I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the LORD and walk in it as their forefathers did." The LORD had allowed those nations to remain; he did not drive them out at once by giving them into the hands of Joshua. These are the nations the LORD left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience): the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the Lebanon mountains from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo Hamath. They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD's commands, which he had given their forefathers through Moses." Judges 2:22-3:4

There are 2 words for testing in Judges:
1. nacah- to prove, to attempt (this is the one used here)
2. tsaraph- to fuse, refine, pure, purge away, try.

The Israelites most likely understood this since Moses had talked about it in Exodus. "Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid ; for God has come in order to test you, and inorder that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin." Exodus 20:20

God testing us is really a pretty awesome thing. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 Wow. Testing produces perseverance which in term bring maturity. 

For example, sometimes God lets us experience dry times, times where we don’t feel as connected to Him to challenge our faith. To give us a glimpse of our heart, of what it would take to get us to stop pursuing Him. Sometimes God tests us, not so He can find out new information, but so that we can.  And what a smart thing! Think about it, if you were feeling like God was far away, like you weren’t hearing from Him, perhaps even like He wasn't even there, would you still seek out consistent, extended quality time with Him? An indication, new information about your heart and faith.

Tested, but not without Hope

Get this, in chapter 3 alone (where it already has talked about testing twice), "the Lord", meaning Jehovah God, is named fifteen times! How crazy is that! There are only 30 veres, so that breaks down to every other verse God reminding us that He is God and can do whatever He pleases. He is God and He is the One in charge.

Last week we spent time thinking about the tribes that didn't actually obey God by failing to completely drive out the cannanites. And now more consequences. A reminder that God doesn't ever let people sin and get away with it. "But God sought to use their misery for their own good... Life had been relatively easy for the Jews in the Promised Land, and they needed the challenge of ever-present danger to keep them alert and disciplined... the Jews had to keep some kind of standing army, or their enemies could quickly unite and overpower them... In the years to come, both Saul and David would need effective armies in order to overcome their many enemies and establish the kingdom." Warren Wiersbe

How incredible is God! When He is testing us He is not merely concerned about right now, He sees years from now and how it all could and will pan out. His testing has a future purpose. So encouraging! Seriously, that is so encouraging. We don't know the future but God does. And He is preparing us for then. What a better place to be than resting in Him.

Thank you Lord for testing us! Help us lean on You and fully depend on You. "For you, O God, have put us to the test: testing us by fire like silver." (Ps 66:10) Let us be a life laid down, a pleasing aroma to You being found faithful.

I hope the Glimpse of Glory in Judges Series; A Bible study devotional through the book of Judges, has been a blessing to you so far. And I hope you will come by each weekday to get a glimpse of God's heart and character from the book of Judges. 

Chapter One
{Day One} Delighting in God as the Know-er of All Things
{Day Two} Reliance 
{Day Three} Bigger Picture 
{Day Four} Prepare for Battle
{Day Five} No More 

Chapter 2
{Day Six} Revealer 
{Day Seven} The Lord's Anger
{Day Eight} Love Conquers All
{Day Nine} The Great Rescue

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