Sunday Recap for 5/28/17: What is God’s heart for HIs people?
Sunday, 5/28, we started our 1 Samuel Series entitled, “King of Hearts”. In it, we asked this Big Picture Question:
What is God’s heart for His People?
And to answer that question, we looked at Judges 2:16-23:
16 Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them. 17 Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they whored after other gods and bowed down to them. They soon turned aside from the way in which their fathers had walked, who had obeyed the commandments of the Lord, and they did not do so.
18 Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them.
19 But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them. They did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways. 20 So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he said, “Because this people has transgressed my covenant that I commanded their fathers and have not obeyed my voice, 21 I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations that Joshua left when he died, 22 in order to test Israel by them, whether they will take care to walk in the way of the Lord as their fathers did, or not.” 23 So the Lord left those nations, not driving them out quickly, and he did not give them into the hand of Joshua.
And we found these 3 answers to our Big Picture Question:
What is God’s heart for His People?
- He shows patience to His people.
- He shows compassion to His people.
- He disciplines His people.
He Shows Patience to His people.
16 Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them. 17 Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they whored after other gods and bowed down to them. They soon turned aside from the way in which their fathers had walked, who had obeyed the commandments of the Lord, and they did not do so.
God’s patience to His people was shown by giving them Judges over and over again. God patiently gave them these spiritual, political, military leaders to protect them and lead them back to obedience.
God shows us His heart by putting people in our lives who bring us back to Jesus when we see. God uses pastors, church leaders, and church friends to patiently pray with us and share scripture with us so that when we see, we can return to obedience and worship.
He shows compassion to His people.
18 Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them.
When the people sinned, their enemies came in and plundered their possession. And the people were oppressed and afflicted and they cried out to God. And God had compassion on them. Despite all of their problems being the result of their own actions, God still had compassion on them.
In situations like this, when the people of God pursue sin, God becomes anonymous. But when our circumstances worsen, God becomes necessary. And that is when God pours out compassion.
He disciplines His people.
19 But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them. They did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways. 20 So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he said, “Because this people has transgressed my covenant that I commanded their fathers and have not obeyed my voice, 21 I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations that Joshua left when he died, 22 in order to test Israel by them, whether they will take care to walk in the way of the Lord as their fathers did, or not.” 23 So the Lord left those nations, not driving them out quickly, and he did not give them into the hand of Joshua.
Friends, sometimes when we sin, and our circumstances get worse, and we won’t repent, God allows those circumstances to stay for a prolonged period of time. But God’s heart in that discipline is to always restore you to Himself.
Big Picture Question: What is God’s heart for His People?
Truth: God reveals His heart for you by showing patience and compassion in both blessing and discipline.
Application: Live knowing every blessing and every trial is intended to teach you more about God’s heart and His love for you.
Action: Examine the most difficult part of your life and examine to see whether God is anonymous or necessary.