Again and Again and Again

The movie "Groundhog Day" has been rolling around in my mind for the past couple months. You know... every day... 6:30 am... get up, make coffee, wake up my guys, start water for baths/showers, pick out clothes, feed the dog, make breakfast, comb hair, brush teeth, get lunch money ready, make sure homework and library book are in book bag, give kisses, and shove everyone out the door to get to school before the bell rings at 8:00. Only then do I start thinking about my full-time job while trying to manage a quiet time, laundry, meals and... exercise... what's that??? This is my routine these days :)

For a chuckle, check out the movie trailer... Groundhog Day

I suspect that this movie has been used in at least one or two sermons. I believe there are some spiritual "lessons" that we can glean from the movie or tie to the Israelites throughout this period of Judges. I am in awe of God's patience as He graciously dealt with the Israelites during this time. God continually saved the Israelites from their cycle of turning from Him, making a mess of their lives, calling out to Him in desperation, fighting another battle to rid the land of godlessness, living through a peaceful period, turning from Him... It's a wonder to me that God saved the Israelites again and again and again.

Our lives today are not so different from the Israelites. We do our own thing, worship our own "gods", fall into desperate situations, and then call on God (again). We work through our "punishment", deal with the consequences, and then may have a period of peace before we get lazy (or forget what we've learned), fall away from God, and start the process all over. We, too, are guilty of continuing this cycle again and again and again.

In Judges chapters 6 and 7, we read about Gideon. In his own mind, Gideon was from the weakest clan and was the least in his family. As Gideon was going about his daily duties, God called him to save Israel. Can you imagine Gideon's surprise and unbelief? We know he had a hard time believing this because he asked God three times to show him a sign. God again was patient and demonstrated His presence and power to Gideon. God gave signs to Gideon again and again and again.

God used Gideon to change the lives of his family (previously worshipping Baal) and to restore the entire Israelite people. God used Gideon to lead a VERY small Israelite army to defeat a HUGE Midianite army and the Midianite kings. This victory allowed the Israelites to return to their territory and have access to the Jordan River for the essential water source. God gave the Promised Land and victory to the Israelites again and again and again.

There are several wonderful principles that we can learn from God's work through Gideon:

• God can use "lowly" people in a powerful way (v. 6:12)


• Our response to God's calling should be worship and offerings (v 6:18)


• God reveals Himself clearly (v. 6:22)


• God gives us the knowledge, skills, people, and courage we need to fulfill His calling (v. 7:7)


• God does the fighting for us (v. 7:22)

God commanded and desired obedience from the Israelites and does the same for us today. He has not changed. Even in our day-to-day lives, God brings peace when we are spending time with Him (reading the Bible and praying) and are obedient to His commands and calling.

In the movie, the day does not stop repeating until Phil learns how to do the right things. Phil is given as many chances as he needs to get the day right. When he learns to handle himself well, he finds peace and love in his life. May God help us to be faithful, studious, and quick responders to His Word. Let's break the cycle and simply call on HIM again and again and again and then bask in his peace!

"The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." (Psalm 145:18)