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The people of Israel had served God throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the elders, all who had personally experienced all God had done for Israel
After which was followed by the era of judges, a period where all people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes
After Abimelech died, Tola judged Israel for 23 years, and after Tola died, Jair judged for 22 years
Again, the Israelites did evil in the sight of God, and he turned them over to their enemies to be oppressed for 18 years, and Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim was attacked.
Finally, the Israelites cried out to God for help, confessing their sins of Idolatry, but God replied, “Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen! Let them rescue you in your hour of distress”
Punish us as you fit; the Israelites pleaded with God, “Only rescue us today from our enemies.”
In the second lesson, Apostle Paul encouraged the Thessalonian church during the time of their continued persecution
Paul commended the church for their growing faith and love for one another during such a period of hardship and suffering
He affirmed that the persecution will make them worthy of God’s kingdom, and God will bring relief to those who are troubled now
Again, God will pay back their persecutors and will judge those who don’t know God or refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus when he appears from heaven
When Christ comes, he will receive praise from all who believe, including the believers in the Thessalonica church who had persevered in suffering and persecution
Paul continued in prayer for them, that God should enable the Thessalonica believers to live a life worthy of their calling, as well as power to carry out all the good things their faith prompts them to do