Judg 20

Devotion 1 of 1: Judg 20

This chapter tells the tragic story of a civil war in Israel—11 tribes of Israel against the tribe of Benjamin. Because the men of Gibeah, which is a part of Benjamin, raped and killed a woman in chapter 19, the other tribes of Israel responded in anger and determined to punish Gibeah (v.4-11). But Benjamin refused to surrender Gibeah to them, so the 2 factions went to war (v.12-14).
One lesson we can learn from this civil war was although it was God’s will for Israel to fight Benjamin, victory was not easy. They were defeated 2 times and lost 40,000 soldiers (v.18-25)! This also applies to our battles in life. Although we may be walking in God’s will, often the victory is not easy—we must really fight for it!
Another lesson is the battle was God’s will, but victory only came when Israel took responsibility and came up with a different battle plan! They changed their tactics! They lured Benjamin into a trap, set Gibeah on fire and when Benjamin panicked, they slew 25,100 of them (v.29-35)! Often in life, God works for us, but we also must do our part to attain victory! We are partners with God in the battle of life, so let’s not neglect to fulfill our responsibilities!

JOHN 6: Free sharing!
In v.26-29, let’s learn 2 important lessons. The 1st is found in v.26, “…you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.” In other words, seeking Jesus because of seeing signs is good, but seeking Him for a fleshly reason (eating bread) is bad. On the outside, these 2 motivations may look the same, but the inside motivation makes them completely different!
The 2nd lesson is in v.28-29, The Jews asked, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” And Jesus answered, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” So, how can we do the works of God? By believing in Jesus! This is what John 14:12 declares! “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do.” Amen!