"But when they cried out to the Lord, He raised up for them a
deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who saved them."
Judges 3:9
Have you ever heard of a man named
Othniel? Probably not. He was Caleb's nephew. When the people of Israel went
into the Promised Land, they were victorious through the courageous efforts of
Joshua and Caleb. As this generation grew older, a new generation began to
emerge. Israel again fell into sin by worshiping idols. The anger of the Lord
burned against Israel, and He allowed them once more to be enslaved by their
enemies. However, the people again cried out to the Lord and God heard them.
Whenever God's people cry out to the
Lord, He hears them. When they are truly repentant, He responds. He responds by
rising up those whom He has prepared for such a time. Every soldier looks
forward to the day he can use the training he has received. God had been
preparing a nephew for such a time as this. He had the same Spirit as his
uncle, Caleb.
The Spirit of the Lord came upon
him, so that he became Israel's judge and went to war. The Lord gave
Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him.
So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died (Judges
3:10-11).
Has God been preparing you for a
time when you will be called upon to deliver God's people? Millions of men and
women are enslaved to the god of mammon and idolatry in the workplace. Has He
placed you there to be a deliverer? Pray that you will have the same Spirit as
Joshua, Caleb, and Othniel.
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