Judges 3:12-30 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel… Think, first of all, of the feelings with which we should expect such a message to be received. For, consider the scene from which that message comes: from God's throne on high. And consider the Presence from which that message emanates — even from our Creator, our Preserver, in whose presence we may at any moment be called to stand. And think next of the effects which we should expect the delivery of such a message to produce — profound attention, deep gratitude, perfect obedience. "A message from God! "Is such a thing possible? Has there ever come to earth, and to us men, a message from God? Surely. The whole world is full of voices of God. The night wears away — the grey light comes stealing on. And the sweet dawn of early day says, "I have a message from God unto thee." To the sick — "I have a message to thee." "There shall be neither sorrow, nor crying... neither shall there be any more pain." To the mourner — "I have a message to thee." "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." To the secret sinner — "I have a message from God unto thee." "God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." The day goes on — a clock strikes. "I have a message from God unto thee," it says: "to thee, O careless one. The sands are fast running out — take heed how you waste time." Men are at work in the fields. Suddenly there comes a booming sound, borne towards them on the breezes, "Hark! that's the passing bell." "I have a message from God" — "It is appointed unto men once to die; and after this, the judgment!" (J. B. C. Murphy, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD. |
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