READING: Judges 1-3, Luke 10:1-24
Multiple times in today’s Old Testament reading do we learn of the Hebrews’ failure to drive the Canaanites out of the land as God had commanded. In fact, the words “failed to drive out” or “did not drive out” echo through the first chapter of Judges. As we will learn, the enemies left in the land would become a thorn in the Hebrews’ side, influencing them toward rebellion and idolatry. Their cycle of failure would be ongoing as they apparently feared the chariots of the Canaanites more than they trusted God’s power.
I am reminded today that anytime we give the enemy a foothold in our lives, he takes as much as we will give him. When we only partially repent, we have not repented at all; when we keep one foot in the world, we have neither foot where it should be. Even loosely clinging to yesterday’s sin is still too tightly holding on to it, and it eats at our soul little by little.
Our only option is to lean on God’s power, trust Him to grant us victory, and drive the enemy out of our lives. We do that through the truth of the Word, the power of the Spirit, and the prayers of God’s people.
PRAYER: “God, show me where I’ve not driven the enemy out.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: However the enemy attacks you today, give him no place.
TOMORROW’S READING: Judges 4-6, Luke 10:25-11:13