Judges 6:1-32: Real Repentance
OH, NO! GOD'S people are at it again. By this time in your study, you are probably getting used to the disappointing litany "Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD." You know what's coming: punishment, repentance and rescue. But what happens when the people become so hard-hearted that even punishment fails to cause them to see the error of their ways? What happens when their cry to God carries only regret and no repentance? In Judges 6 you will see God take the initiative to win his people back to himself.
Warming Up to God
In what ways was God at work in your life even before you met him?
Read Judges 6:1-32. »
Discovering the Word
- Imagine life during the years of Midianite occupation (vv. 1-6). What about this situation would have been most distressing to you?
- When the Israelites finally cried out to God, he first sent a prophet (vv. 7-10). What evidence is there that the Israelites' repentance was not real?
- Compare the words of God to the words of Gideon in verses 7-15. How did Gideon's view of the problem and its solution differ from God's?
- How did the miracle of verse 21 change Gideon?
- God's first command to Gideon was to tear down his father's altar to Baal (vv. 25-27). How did Gideon's obedience differ from God's intention?
- How could true obedience have made an even greater impact on Gideon's family and community (vv. 28-30)?
Applying the Word
- When has your repentance and obedience been less than complete?
- What have been the results of false repentance in your life?
Responding in Prayer
Take some time to thank God for his initiative in your life. Ask him to guide you to true repentance.
For Further Study
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene H. Peterson