November 29, 2020
I greet and bless everyone in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. The blessed word that God has given for you today is from the book of Judges 3:9,“ When the children of Israel cried out to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel, who delivered them: He was Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.”
From the above context we see how God sent Othniel to deliver the people of Israel, when they cried out to the Lord. After the eight years of bondage, Israel finally cried out in dependence on God. It often takes many years of bondage and calamity before man looks unto God. God heard their cry and chose Othniel the brother of great hero Caleb in the Bible. Othniel was not only the first Judge of Israel, but he was a Hebrew warrior during the conquest of Canaan. While serving under the command of Joshua and Caleb, Othniel conquered the city of Debir and won Caleb’s daughter, Achsah in marriage. Now the Spirit of the LORD came upon Othniel and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the LORD delivered the king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed over Cushan-Rishathaim. So the land had rest for forty years.
Othniel was the first judge in Israel. Even in Joshua’s time Othniel began to be famous. After Israel’s settlement in Canaan their purity began to be corrupted, and their peace disturbed. But When they cried to God, because of affliction, God returned in mercy to them for their deliverance. Among the judges, Othniel represents the class of scholars. Though we don’t know much about Othniel, we learn that the Holy Spirit empowered him for the job, God called him to do. Othniel believed on the principle of prophet Zechariah “ Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.” Empowered by the Spirit of the LORD, he delivered Israel.
The Spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel. The Spirit of wisdom and courage made him qualified for the service of God to deliver the people. He not only judged Israel, reproved and reformed them, but also went to war. God used Otheniel the Judge of Israel and avenged the cause of Israel against their oppressors. Thus Othniel obtained a victory over the king of Mesopotamia, and brought peace which lasted forty years. Thus God uses His children like Moses and Otheniel to deliver the people of Israel whenever they were oppressed by their Opponent.
To those of you who are reading this message, I wish to say, that every human being will come across some kind of enemies during their course of life. And when you are struck with such kind of situation then you become filled with fear and anxiety. But The Lord says, “Don’t be afraid, of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked, when it comes. For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your feet from being caught.” So when you face a problem at your work spot or within your family, do not run for help to any person, rather approach God who has the ability to save you to the uttermost. No human being can bring any solution to your problem. They will only laugh at you and be glad to see you suffering. But God is not man to see you suffer. He responds to your cry and solves your problem as soon as you call unto Him, in truth and Spirit. Receive the Spirit of God who will govern you with extraordinary wisdom, knowledge and help you to operate wisely at times of Crisis. For you are precious to Him. When you call upon him in the time of misery He will send forth His word and comfort you and deliver you miraculously. He prepares a deliverer just to save you. He fills them adequately with wisdom and knowledge and then he delivers you from your foes. The Bible says, “The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. So be rest assured that when you call upon the Lord He will hear your cry and deliver you. God bless you.
Prayer: Our loving heavenly Father, we thank You for this blessed day. We thank you Lord for sending Othniel to deliver the people of Israel. Please help us when we go through crisis. Hear our cry and save us from all our problems. Physically, financially, and spiritually. Help our children too from all kinds of stress they undergo due to weakness and immaturity. Bless them with good health and strength.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen
