RPG Adults
OTHNIEL (II)
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7
Judges 3:1-11
Psalm 15; 24:3-6
“…when they in their trouble
did turn unto the LORD….”
OTHNIEL (II)
“And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him…” (Judg 3:10-11). Apart from the godly example, heritage and experience of Othniel, the Bible highlights one other thing concerning this first judge. Though he did go out to war and overcome, yet it is not his skills, or tactics that are recorded. Neither are weapons of warfare mentioned. But something far more important and necessary is mentioned: his source of strength! The empowering by the Spirit of the LORD is the common thread throughout the lives of the judges. It was stated in the introduction of this series of readings that it was the LORD who raised up deliverers. And the account of the judges begins on a spiritual note: the first judge, and the first mention of the leading and empowering by the Spirit of the LORD. The children of Israel with their unclean hands and idolatrous lives brought upon themselves pain, slavery and God’s wrath (Judg 3:5- 6). It is against such a background that the spiritual emphasis of Othniel and his surrendered will to God are found.
In our service for the LORD, the primary focus must not be on the skills or weaknesses we possess, neither should it be on our activities or achievements, but rather it should be on our Christlikeness! Othniel’s effort did bring rest for forty years, but the attention is on the Spirit of the LORD which came upon him, and the LORD who delivered! As a vessel in the master’s hand, he was greatly used, but as the LORD has clearly put in Scripture, he must have been a man who purged himself from “these [things]” (2 Tim 2:20-22) to be a vessel meet for the Master’s use! There is room for acquiring the skills necessary through the help and instruction of other godly men, if the heart is set right!
THOUGHT: “The real secret of an unsatisfied life lies too often in an unsurrendered will.” (Hudson Taylor)
PRAYER: “Jesus, fill now with Thy Spirit; hearts that full surrender know, that the streams of living water from our inner man may flow.”