The reading this week signals the end of the period of the Judges and the beginning of a new era in Israel, one in which God is replaced as king.
"…that God may open a door (Col. 4:3)"
Posts by Kelly Riggs
After all that has happened to Israel since the nation crossed the Jordan to fulfill God’s promise to Abraham: after Jericho and Ai, and the painful lesson of Achan’s sin, and the division of the Promised Land, and the powerful final address from Joshua. One would think that these images and memories would be hard-pressed into the hearts of the children of Israel and serve as a vivid reminder of God’s power and grace. But no.
It is interesting to observe that the people of Israel will consistently disobey God, and then, in turn, blame its leaders or even God himself. Why is it that mankind often lacks the ability to admit its own failures, accept responsibility for its choices and actions, or to place blame where blame is actually due?
At this point, it has been one year since the Israelites left Egypt. Although they’ve been through quite a bit, they have not yet arrived in the Promised Land, the land promised to their forefathers. Indeed, there is still much to do: laws to be learned, a tabernacle to be constructed, a census to be taken.
I want to be rescued. But I don’t want to face trials. Or difficulties. Or my fears. That’s the story of the Israelites as God brings them out of Egypt.
This week’s reading marks the end of an important era in Bible history as both Joseph and Jacob pass away. However, before his death, Jacob blesses his sons, and in this blessing we glimpse the role Judah’s lineage will play in God’s plan.