Sat.s Devo - Turning Points

Read: Judges 9:22-10:18; Luke 24:13-53; Psalm 100: 1-5; Proverbs 14:11-12 Abimelech had killed all his 70 brothers and ruled Shechem for three years. God was not pleased with what he had done, so he sent a spirit of dissension into the city. Gaal and his brothers moved to Shechem and stirred up the people to rebel against Abimelech and his deputy, Zebul. *** When Zebul heard Gaal had raised up an army, he found Abimelech in Arumah and told him to come by night with an army, hide out in the fields and attack in the morning. The leading citizens of Shechem battled against Abimelech. Abimelech’s army won and chased Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem. Then the city rose up to fight Abimelech. Eventually, Abimelech captured the city and leveled it, scattering salt all over the ground. The survivors ran into the Temple of Baal-berith. Abimelech set it on fire killing around 1,000 people. *** Abimelech went to the town of Thebez and captured it. The entire population of the town ran into the tower outside the town for safety. As Abimelech was preparing wood to set the tower on fire, a woman dropped a millstone and it landed on Abimelech’s head crushing his skull. He told his armor bearer to drive his sword through him so they would not say he was killed by a woman, so he did. This is how God punished Abimelech for killing Gideon’s sons. *** Tola was the next judge to rescue Israel. He was from the tribe of Issachar and lived in the town of Shamir. He ruled for 23 years. Jair was next to rule and did so for 22 years. His 30 sons ruled 30 towns of Jair. When he died, Israel went back into idolatry and worshipped Baal and Ashroreth. God turned them over to the Philistines and the Amorites. Israel finally cried out to the Lord for help and repented for leaving their God. God reminded the of all the nations he had rescued then from and told them he would no longer rescue them. *** In the meantime, Israel was about to be attacked by the Ammonites at Gilead. The leaders of Gilead said that whoever attacked the Ammonites first would rule over all the people of Gilead. We will find out tomorrow what happened. *** In Luke, it had been three days since Jesus was crucified and all the people who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover were returning home. Two men from Emmaus were walking home discussing all that had happened to Jesus. Jesus suddenly appeared and began walking with them. They didn’t recognize him. He asked them what they were talking about and they were amazed he hadn’t heard. They told he how they had hoped this man, Jesus was the Messiah, but he was turned over by the priests and crucified. But, the women who followed Jesus had found his tomb empty and angels had told them that Jesus was alive. *** Jesus then took them through the scriptures showing them all the things Moses had said and written and all the things the prophets had foretold about the Messiah. He explained to them exactly what had happened according to the scriptures. They were amazed and when they sat to eat and Jesus broke the bread, their eyes were opened and they recognized them. He disappeared. *** They went back to Jerusalem and found the eleven disciples and told them what had happened to them and testified that Jesus was alive. As they were talking, Jesus showed up in the room and told them not to be afraid. He showed them his hands and feet where the nails had been. He asked them for something to eat and they watched in wonder as he ate. He taught the the same thing he had taught the two men on the road. He promised to send them the Holy Spirit. They were to stay in the city until it came and filled them with power. *** Jesus led them to Bethany where he blessed them and ascended up to heaven as they watched. They returned to Jerusalem filled with joy and praise. *** Amazing how fast things can turn around when Jesus enters the situation. He is always there but not always visible to us. When we see and understand his plan, things take on a whole new perspective. *** Lord, may we see you in the midst of our situation today. You turn our heart to joy and praise.