READING: Judges 11:29-15:20
Jepthah ruled as a judge of Israel for six years, but then he died.
Ibzan followed him as judge for another seven years, but he then died, too.
Elon was the next judge, and he served in that role for ten years. But, then he died.
Abdon followed Elon for the next eight years—but he died.
Samson, perhaps the best known of the judges, followed with a reign of twenty years. He, though, died like the rest of the judges.
Death echoes throughout these stories. In fact, it echoes throughout all our stories. It is still our story. Even for those God has placed in leadership positions, those positions grant us no immunity from death brought on by our sin. We will all die.
But, we are entering the season of the year when we most celebrate the rest of the story: God has provided eternal life for those who follow Him. Death is real, but it is not the victor.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How much does the reality of life and resurrection affect your daily living?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “Thank You, Lord, for the reminder that death is real for all of us. Thank You even more for the hope we have in You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Judges 16:1-18:31
