But the Israelites said to the LORD, “We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.” Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the LORD. And he could bear Israel’s misery no longer. Judges 10:15-16 (NIV)
Judges 10:15-16 (NIV)
Devotional
The Israelites were no strangers to rebellion. Time and time again, they turned away from God, embracing foreign idols and sin. But just as often, when they found themselves in crisis—broken, enslaved, and desperate—they cried out to God for help. Judges 10:15-16 shows their raw plea: “Please rescue us now.”
How often do we find ourselves in the same place? If we’re honest, we live our lives in ways that don’t reflect a heart fully surrendered to God. We become distracted, chasing after what the world offers. Sometimes, it takes hitting rock bottom—in our personal lives, relationships, or even as a nation—to realize how far we’ve drifted. In those moments of desperation, we, like the Israelites, cry out to God: “Rescue me now!”
But here’s the beauty of God’s character: He hears us. In verse 16, we read that God could no longer bear to see His people suffer. Even after their repeated disobedience, His compassion moved Him to rescue them again.
This story challenges us to reflect on our own lives. Are we waiting for a crisis to cry out to God, or are we seeking Him daily, in both the highs and lows? As we look around at the state of our world, it’s easy to see that many of us are like the Israelites—running on our own path until we desperately need God’s intervention.
The good news is that God is always ready to respond when we turn back to Him, no matter how far we’ve strayed. But let’s not wait until we’re in peril to seek His presence. Let’s surrender to Him now while we still have the freedom to choose Him in life’s everyday moments.
Reflection
- Are there areas in your life where you’ve been drifting away from God’s will?
- How can you actively seek Him now, before the storms of life push you to desperation?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I’ve turned away from You, only to come running back when I need rescue. Help me to seek You daily, not just in moments of crisis. Draw my heart closer to Yours, and teach me to rely on You in every season of life. Amen.
