“And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and forgot the Lord their God, and served Baalim and the groves. 8 Therefore the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years. 9 And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. 0 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the Lord delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim. 11 And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.” Judges 3:7-11 NKJV
Lord God,
The children of Israel may have forgotten You and be doing whatever they liked in the groves . . . but You could not forget them. And where do they call in times of trouble? To the only one who could help them?
Othniel was mentioned in chapter 1:13, Caleb’s younger brother and from the tribe of Judah. He already has proven leadership and battle success. And we read under him there was 40 years rest. Till he died. Ah well. But the most important verse for me is , “And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. Your Spirit Lord. You generously provided for his need as a leader and he was able to judge, lead and know when to war.
It was Your generosity in giving of Yourself that enabled 40 years rest for the children of Israel. Today it is not just one man, one leader who can know Your presence by Your Spirit – but You have poured out Your Spirit upon all Your children, all those who are Yours in Jesus. Giving us gifts and guidance and reassurance and rest.
We pray at this time that leaders of churches would be led by You and that Your Spirit would speak peace into world leaders too. And that we may walk in step with Your Spirit and find rest in the mess.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 13th March 2026
Spirit of the living God
Spirit of the living God
We only want to hear Your voice
We’re hanging on every word
Spirit of the living God
Spirit of the living God
We want to know You more and more
We’re hanging on every word
‘Cause when You speak, and when You move
When You do what only You can do
It changes us
It changes what we see and what we seek
When You come in the room
When You do what only You can do
It changes us
It changes what we see and what we seek
You’re changing everything
Spirit of the living God
Spirit of the living God
We’re leaning in to all You are
Everything else can wait
Spirit of the living God
Spirit of the living God
Come now and breathe upon our hearts
Come now and have Your way
‘Cause when You speak, and when You move
When You do what only You can do
It changes us
It changes what we see and what we seek
When You come in the room
When You do what only You can do
It changes us
It changes what we see and what we seek
You’re changing everything
When You move, You move all our fears
When You move, You move us to tears
When You move, You move all our fears (yes, You do)
When You move, You move us to tears
When You fall, we fall on our knees
When You fall, we fall at Your feet
When You fall, we fall on our knees
When You fall, we fall at Your feet
‘Cause when You speak, when You move
When You do what only You can do
It changes us
It changes what we see and what we seek
When You come in the room
When You do what only You can do
It changes us
It changes what we see and what we seek
You’re changing everything
Lyrics: Jacob Sooter, Mia Fieldes