Judges Chapter 2: Verse 10 (NIV-UK)
After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.
John Chapter 15: Verse 5 (NIV-UK)
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
1 Thessalonians Chapter 5: Verse 18 (NIV-UK)
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I find this verse in Judges very sad but very up-to-date as it is almost a snapshot of how things stand spiritually in much of the west today. God had done so much for the people of Israel. We see that in Joshua’s final address, he had reminded the people, “You know with all heart and soul that not one of the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” (Joshua 23:14) So how was all of that forgotten? I think perhaps the people became complacent and settled and forgot to thank God for His goodness until eventually they became self-reliant.
That’s why its important for those of us who follow Jesus to take time to give thanks to God for all of His goodness to us. I think the same thing has happened in this generation. Lives who don’t know of God and His goodness think that they must achieve everything for themselves and many strive to do so whilst others don’t meet their own expectations and feel that they have failed. God is always on hand to direct, guide and strengthen us through the Holy Spirit. Jesus died to reconcile us to the Father and made the way for us to be called children of God. And as He Himself said, without Him we can do nothing.
If we take the time to give thanks and acknowledge God’s goodness then we will also be bringing His goodness to the attention of those who as yet don’t realise it. Hopefully that will make them think about who God is and that He is interested in them too.
Dear Lord,
I am grateful for Your hand on my life throughout al these years, and thank You Jesus for making it possible for me to come to the Father. Holy Spirit thank You for Your guidance and leading. May I never take the hand of God for granted. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.