Thorn on Your Side
Judges 2:3 The Israelites are living in the promised land but have failed to drive out the Canaanites who become a thorn in their sides. Just like the Jews, Christians have thorns that muddy our relationship with God.
11/13/20252 min read
Therefore, I also said, 'I will not drive them out before you; but they shall be thorns in your side, and their gods shall be a snare to you.' Judges 2:3 (NKJV)
The Israelites had taken the promised land but failed to drive out the Canaanites. Instead, treaties are made and the inhabitants of the land live with the Jewish people as subjects. God knew that the Canaanites were going to pervert the Israelites religion, so He sends an Angel of the Lord to give them a warning. The Angel tells them that they have broken the covenant with God by not driving the Canaanites out or breaking down their alters to other gods. Since they did not obey God, the Canaanites would become a thorn on their sides, and their gods would become a snare to the Jews. The Israelites abandoned their religious beliefs and started following the pagan rituals which impaired the nation and made them susceptible to attacks from other nations.
Judges 2:3 is a powerful reminder to Christians today to remain vigilant and committed to God's commands because there are thorns that will weaken our faith. Satan uses of the gods of greed, pride, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth to keep us from God. Being a Christian is work, because Satan does not stop tempting us. We need to examine ourselves every day and see if we are putting one of these gods before our God. Paul had had thorns afflicting him, which he knew could weaken his message of redemption. In 2 Corinthians 12:7, he says, "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure." Just like Paul, we can get conceited and say look how well I am fighting sin, but that just sets us up for more sin. Remember to humble yourselves before the Lord and give Him all the glory for fighting your sin.
Choose to give your sin to God today. Do a thorough self-examination each day and admit your wrongs. Focus on guarding your mind, practicing self-discipline, and seeking spiritual support through prayer and scripture. Sin will pop up in our lives, but we don't have to let it control us.