A newly elected senator vows to be a new kind of politician, but by the time he runs again he’s in the pocket of special interest groups. An actress goes to Hollywood to star in wholesome movies, but soon she compromises. Both started out trying to reach the world, but instead they lost their way.
This was Israel’s problem during the time of the Judges. Israel entered the Promised Land from the mountains in the east. They could have remained in those mountains, safe and isolated from the cosmopolitan, advanced culture in the coastal plain. But an international trade route ran through the coastal plain. If God was going to reach the world with His message of salvation, His people would have to move into the land.
As the Israelites moved down and their enemies went up, they met in the central hill country, called the Shephalah. There the Israelites “failed to drive out the people living in the plains” (Judges 1:19). Instead, they were content to live among them (Judges 2:2). They “intermarried with them,” and “the Israelites [began to serve] their gods” (Judges 3:6). God sent His angel to pronounce judgment (Judges 2:4). Because Israel disobeyed and didn’t destroy the pagan altars, their neighbors’ idolatry would remain as “a constant temptation” and as a thorn in their side (Judges 2:2-3).
What’s your “Shephalah”? Who are you trying to reach for Jesus? It might seem easier to sit back in what you feel is a safe place, but God has called us to take His message to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). And He is with us in our “Shephalah.” Bathe yourself in prayer. Be accountable to someone—making sure you’re bringing His light and love to the world, while not compromising or losing your way.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Samuel 20:1-42
More:
Read Judges 16:4-21 to learn of some temptations that can destroy us in the “Shephalah.”
Next:
Where have you been tempted to compromise your Christian values? What area of your life do you need to recommit to Jesus today?
Gary Shultz on March 30, 2016 at 5:52 am
I know what you mean Mike, but the next questions made me smile. Just when you think you have victory another area is blindsided. I thought I was strong in that area, but I have been shown I must quickly bring all things to the Lord. The armor is always being tested; “we are not as strong as we think we are” as the late Rich Mullen wrote. When I get it down to one area, maybe I could relax a little. Congratulations, on your victorious quest and exposing yourself to some pokes and rubs. Thanks Mike, I’m smiling while I armor up.
gagirllive on March 30, 2016 at 7:43 am
Great word for today, Mike. I’m always amazed at how parallel we run with ancient Israel. I think one of the reasons for their (and our) waywardness lies in verse 10 of that passage. After Joshua and his generation died, another generation grew up that did not know the LORD. That is one of the saddest verses in all of scripture to me. Like Israel, we are in the mess we are today because with each successive generation, we have increasingly gotten away from telling and living God’s story–His gospel. Compromise and flat-out idolatry have become the new normal. We lose our way and our influence when we stop following The Way–Jesus Christ. My prayer is that every true Christian would experience a personal revival so that we can impact the people in our sphere of influence–our “Shephalah”. May we all recapture a spirit of Joshua in us today! Thanks, Mike.
Mike Wittmer on March 30, 2016 at 10:30 pm
Good word, gagirllive. Our job is never done. We don’t cross the finish line until we actually do. May we faithfully pass on the faith to those coming behind.
Tom Felten on March 30, 2016 at 9:07 am
Gary, you mentioned gifted songwriter Rich Mullins. I’m reminded of a record release by the (also) late-great songwriter Keith Green—”No Compromise.” He lived that goal out so well, singing and proclaiming the truths of Jesus while striving to live a life that honored Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit!
samgaskill on March 30, 2016 at 9:33 am
Yes, sadly this modern world has also become ensnared by the same traps as ancient Israel. Father, we are all in great need of Your love, mercy and compassion for others. You have given us knowledge and understanding of Your ways but we are inadequate when it comes to demonstrating Your beautiful gospel to others. Supply us with the fruit of Your Spirit, that we may use the gifts You placed inside us without pride, or judgement. We must have love to walk out Your message of hope, redemption and promise. Let us not forget where we each have been but are no more, separated from You by our personal sin. Let us with grateful hearts draw others unto You. By your strength and by Your power, may we share what you’ve given us with others. I smile when I remember the unselfish ways of Rich Mullins. Imperfect, but with a humble and grateful heart to the One who captured His heart, he encouraged many! Blessings to all. Thankful for the time of pondering everyday th
sandy229 on March 30, 2016 at 11:10 am
Thank you for this Mike. It reminds me of how I spent 40 years in the “wilderness” myself because I refused to listen and wait for God’s best for me. I tried to make it on my own and was so absorbed with self, it nearly destroyed me. Thankfully God brought me back to Him so I could experience all that He had for me and more. Now I want to share His love with everyone and let them know they don’t have to settle when God has so much more for them. I just give Praise and Glory to God that He has chosen me for “His” purposes and not for my own. I am going to a ladies retreat this weekend and I can’t wait to experience what God is going to reveal to me if only I will listen and obey. I am no longer going to let my regrets poison my mind when I know that God has forgiven me.
Mike Wittmer on March 30, 2016 at 10:28 pm
Praise God for your attitude, Sandy. Your perspective can only come from our Father. What a blessing to bask in the new life and fresh starts that he gives!
jim spillane on March 30, 2016 at 12:11 pm
Dear Heavenly Father, I lift up today’s author, all the ODJ authors, and all these faithful commenters to You today. My prayer is that in this world we never, ever lose our way, but should our path ever become shrouded in the gloom of fog, Lord help us to get back on the path of life quickly, for we know where our true hope lies and with whom it lies. In the name of my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.