“The Israelites said to the Lord, “We have sinned, do to us whatever seems good to You; only please rescue us this day.” So they removed the foreign gods from among them and served the Lord; and He could bear the misery of Israel no longer.”
Judges 10:15-16 AMP
Yet again the Israelites were in great distress and cried out to G-d to rescue them. At first, He tells them to cry out to the foreign gods they served for rescue instead of Him – but they persisted in crying out because they knew only One could rescue them.
When I was meditating on today’s reading, the question came to mind – is it possible to move the heart of G-d? He’s not a man that He should lie, and He isn’t fickle. He’s not blown about like the wind as we can be. Yet this passage indicates that He changed His mind from not helping the Israelites to once again being their rescue because He could no longer stand to see them in misery.
There’s plenty to say about the Israelites responsibility for the position they found themselves in – oppressed, distressed, and crushed. It’s clear that sin and willful disobedience moved them – as it will move me – out from under His protection. He will not and cannot walk where sin abounds.
But today I’m struck with the idea of moving the heart of G-d. Isn’t that something we all want to do – to move His heart? I know I do.
Looking at the Israelites response, I see two things they did that moved Him.
First they acknowledged their sin and repented (put away foreign gods). They didn’t pack them away – they rid themselves of completely of foreign gods.
Second, they served Him. They returned to sacrifices, followed His law, and began to obey Him. They returned to Him completely and were loyal to Him.
Could it be that simple? Could a broken, repentant and contrite heart bent in service and worship to Him be what it takes to move His heart and get His attention?
2 Chronicles 16:9 (AMP) says:
“For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth so that He may support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this; therefore, from now on you will have wars.””
His eyes are roaming the whole earth even now, looking for hearts loyal to Him, hearts humbly bowed before Him alone. When His eyes rest upon me, may He find me ready for Him postured for His support.
Is it possible to move His heart? Yes. It is possible. May I be one that moves Him.
Father – thank You for Your Word that convicts and transforms me. Thank You for mercy and grace. Position me to bring honor to You alone. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Judges 10-12