God among us

God among us... 15-21/90

week three... the literature is narrative, the Bible documents events in people’s lives. The stories about people are actually stories about “God.” God reveals himself to us so we can know him – he reveals himself and the faithfulness of his promise to give the Israelites their land. God brings them in, helps them concur the land so that God can dwell in this land. God is establishing his name there – his presence.

The battle stories are God’s victories. How he delivered on his promises.

In Joshua we learn of God’s great faithfulness to the people of Israel.

In Judges we learn of the unfaithfulness of the people to God.

When we find out what some of the leaders and people did – we witness their faithlessness. God’s faithfulness continues in the context of faithlessness of the people. People were worshiping other gods, they messed up, they struggled with their world view – everyone around them led them to think of other gods. They turned to other gods to try to resolve problems, a view they couldn’t overcome. We can see troubles in our behavior today like individualism selfishness, consumerism, we have difficulties rising above our native culture. This is what they were struggling with.

God reveals himself to Israel - All of the world is coming to know him. Leadership of the people is not up to par, and by end of Judges, people are only doing what they think is right in their own eyes; not God's will.

Where is the godliness?

Then there is Ruth! In the days of Judges, Ruth, who initially did not have any real knowledge of God, no law, just an average girl... said, "I go where you go," to Naomi in faithfulness to her. God recognized her faithfulness – and as a result of this God builds the line of David. We see the family path from Ruth to the father of David.

next destination...
... the City of David...