May 25-31: Judges 2-4; 6-8; 13-16

"The Lord Raised Up a Deliverer"

Megan Trueblood (American, born 1985)

Spring Forage (2024)

From the Foraged collection/exhibition

Oil on panel, 36 x 24 inches

Collection of the artist

Used with permission of the artist

Israel falls into a repeated cycle of disobedience, oppression, crying out to God, and deliverance. Deborah and Barak lead Israel to victory over Canaanite oppression, and Jael defeats Sisera, bringing peace to the land. Gideon is called to deliver Israel from Midian, struggles with doubt, but ultimately leads a dramatically reduced army to victory through God’s power. However, Gideon later makes choices that contribute to Israel’s spiritual decline. Samson is born as a Nazirite set apart to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines. Yet his life is marked by imperfect behavior and even personal weakness. Culminating with a final act of strength that defeats many Philistines at the cost of his own life.

A central theme in these chapters is the idea that the Lord forgives as often as we repent. Deliverance from struggle comes from God’s mercy rather than human strength or perfection. Revealed in these chapters is the flawed character of Israel’s leaders, showing that God works through imperfect people. Faithfulness brings peace, while compromise leads to oppression and instability. Megan Trueblood's artwork depicts a group of botanicals, but it invites the viewer to ask what is the connection between them and what they mean. In your life, as you ponder on how God uses imperfect people for meaningful purposes through the stories of Deborah, Gideon, and Samson, examine your own faithfulness, humility, and dependence on God’s strength rather than your own abilities.

Gospel Questions

1. Deborah's faith inspired faith in the people around her. Has someone in your life had that affect?

2. How does your own faithfulness or compromise impact the people around you?

3. These chapters highlight many imperfect leaders chosen by God and is easily applied to how we view the leaders of the Church. How might you apply this lesson to your view of yourself?

For Children and Youth

Hi. God’s people sometimes forgot to follow Him, and they got into trouble again and again. But whenever they cried out for help, God sent leaders like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson to rescue them.

1. What's a time in your life where you have been forgiven? What about when you have had to forgive?

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