As Sheep for the Slaughter

The Israelites find themselves in the midst of a war they are suffering agonizing defeat in, and evidently, God is not with them in the battle. The dilemma of it all is that they are innocent sufferers who have not forsaken the covenant with their Lord. Like Jesus asleep in the boat with His disciples, God seems to be deep in slumber as their enemies ravage and destroy them. In spite of these circumstances, they continue to place their hope in God, all the while recognizing His sovereignty. Behind their affirmation of His sovereignty is an implicit reality that the New Testament makes explicit: all of God's children will suffer. Yet rather than despair, lose faith, or accuse God of wrongdoing as we undergo trials, we must rest confidently in God's redeeming, covenant love.