The Rise of Othniel

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves…. 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. Judges 3:7‭, ‬9 KJV

Othniel of the Tribe of Judah was the first, to be judge. He did that for the next forty years, and the land had peace. He conquered the city Debir and thrased King Cushan-Rishathaim. The most significant verse is perhaps v10, which describes how this judge was made. The spirit of the Lord came upon him. Now pause and think about that. Till today, God will only use people who are responsive to His spirit. God was grieved for His people, so the Spirit came upon a man. It reminds you of Acts1:8, when the Spirit came upon the fearful disciples. They became something else in spreading the gospel. Fear was gone. With the Spirit of God also came boldness to advance and accomplish things by overthrowing the oppressor. Which Spirit is directing your affairs? Does the spirit generate boldness or fear? Does it bring you victory or enslavement? For Othniel, the enslavement had to stop. There are things that must stop for you to have peace. All you need is the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Whenever the Spirit comes, people become God’s intentions. Today is your day. The Spirit is upon you.