Patterns are cool. Visually, I love a photo down a fence row where item after item forms a pattern. A cool old building where the design includes stones cut the same way and built in a unique repeated pattern.At the same time I don't really like formal gardens as they feel too stiff and rigid. They follow the pattern to closely and their is no freedom. Patterns can be good and patterns can be oppressive.
Here's the patterns for the book of Judges. It too is a pattern that is not pleasing...
1. People abandon God
2. God punishes them by raising a power to oppress them(a power they were supposed to drive out and didn't).
3. People cry out to God for deliverance
4. God raised up a Judge to take care of the situation
Over and over and over and over again. Israel is addicted to this sin in particular. The sin of worshiping other Gods. Like taking another drink, getting another high, buying another item, looking at pornography, gossiping about others or hating instead of loving... the Israelites seem to be willing to swap the worship of the one true God for the worship of any other god at the drop of a hat.
Like the friend of an addict, God can only bring it up so many times before he has to let the natural course of action find it's way. Ever feel helpless watching your friends demise? God certainly knows how it feels.
God I'm sorry for the ease with which I stop worshiping you and find other ways to feel validated. I'm sorry for using others and things and achievements to tell me I'm valuable rather than cashing in all my chips at your feet, allowing you to be my hope, rock, fortress, refuge, strong tower and the lover of my soul who loves without condidtion.
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