Again…

 

 

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word ‘again’ as:

“another time – once more”

So it is with some curiosity that I note that in some translations the beginning of Judges 6 opens with the word “again”.

“Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord,

and for seven years He gave them into the hands of the Midianites.”

Judges 6:1

Their behavior was repeating itself.

They had a pattern of behavior that was to do “…evil in the eyes of the Lord.”

Now let’s not be too quick to condemn them and pat ourselves on the back.

We, too, can have repeating behaviors that are unpleasant – at a minimum – to the Lord.

But even a quick read of the next two chapters reveals unmerited favor to the Nation of Israel.

God delivered them from the hands of the Midianites even though their repeated behavior did not warrant rescue

Why?

Because God is merciful!

God did not respond because of a corrected behavior on their part.

He responded out of His character.

He raised up a man – Gideon – through whom He could show Himself strong.

Victory came through one man surrendered to Gods purposes.

Maybe God has called you to a particular task.

Maybe the repeated behaviors of your life are a constant reminder of your weakness.

God has sent you a deliverer.

Jesus Christ the Righteous One.

Your ‘again and again and agains’ of life were nailed to the tree.

Just as Gideon was transformed into the Mighty Warrior God called him to be, you too can be transformed into a vessel God will use to bring His deliverance to others.

God transforms your ‘again’ into ‘a gain’ for His Kingdom!