Deliverance and Mercy

Like us, the Israelites struggle to be consistently faithful to God. In Judges, the Israelites have again found themselves at the mercy of God and in need of deliverance. The psalm reminds us of the Israelites’ pattern of unfaithfulness: They do wrong. They get in trouble. They cry out to the Lord. The Lord has mercy and delivers them. The cycle repeats. Recognizing this pattern in scripture reminds us of God’s mercy toward us and our need to seek it. The New Testament readings continue the themes of deliverance and mercy with First Thessalonians commanding us to always be ready—God has delivered us and will return for us; we just don’t know when. The Gospel builds on the theme of God’s return, calling us to live a life pleasing to God while we wait by utilizing the gifts God has given us.

Read Judges 4:1-7. From what do you need to cry out to the Lord for deliverance?
Read Psalm 123. What in your life is leading you to seek God’s mercy?
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. What do you need to do to be ready for the return of the Lord?
Read Matthew 25:14-30. How are you living a life in gratitude to God for all you have been given?