"In those days Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes." Judges 21:25
Thank you for working through Judges with me over the last 6 weeks! It has not been easy, but I hope it has been worthwhile. In all it's fallen depravity, there are lessons to be learned. When we compare the Israelites to our own global society, there are many parallels. Using these to look closely at our own faith, helps us to see where we need to call on our Lord. And reminds us that God is with us; He will not abandon us, and will use us, forgive us, and love us no matter what!
If you thought Judges was filled with awful people and situations up until now, hold on to your hats! Chapters 17-21 are even worse! My study Bible groups these chapters together under the heading "The Moral Failure Of Israel". It goes on to say, "This section shows Israel falling into idolatry, moral decline, and petty fighting. Israel, the nation that was to set the example for spiritual living, had instead become morally depraved. When Israel did serve God, and that was seldom, it was often from selfish motives." The darkest hour is just before the day dawns, and these are dark hours for the nation of Israel.
Thankfully, there's a whole lot of Bible after Judges, so we know this is not the end of the story. Which, for me, allows me to read it with a glimmer of hope.
The details of the story are sometimes graphic and gory and we have a hard time connecting with such heinous acts. But, after reading the chapters, pull back and look at the overarching themes: idolatry, selfishness, revenge, territorial elitism, egotism, lack of moral conviction. Generalize some of the behavior and you may just see some scary similarities in our world.
One of the points that Sandra Glahn makes on "Sunday" is how women are treated in these chapters. It is vastly different from what is seen up until now. It is also very different from how we are treated within our normal society. Sadly, it is not that different from how women are treated throughout the world, and even here in our own country. And that is just one example of the parallels that can be drawn between ancient, morally corrupt Israel and our 21st Century world. On "Friday" and "Saturday", Ms. Glahn brings full circle the treatment and role of women. She shows us the light at the end of these very dark chapters in Israel's history. If you are asking, 'where is God in all of this?', she points us ahead to where God has been planning and working all along - we just couldn't see it while we were in the muck of those last few chapters of Judges.
Have you ever found yourself in the muck of life? Wondering why everything seems to be against you? Nothing seems to be going right? At that point, did you ask, "Are you there, God?" Our "Friday" reading of 1 Samuel 1 shows us that He is. Not only is He there, He's working hard to bring His children peace, love, and closer to Him. He works on a societal level and an individual level. Throughout Judges, He blesses the nation of Israel through empowering individuals. How has God empowered you? And how have you, through God's empowerment, been a blessing to others?
If you are tempted to put down your book because you just can't endure another terrible act by the Israelites, I urge you to carry on. Work through the study questions and try to be aware of the "time-and-culture" differences. It is through these theologically challenging Scriptures that we add layers and depth to our understanding of our faith. Judges really pushes our boundaries. Consider this a bit of theological weightlifting. After turning the last page, feel free to strike your best "Stong Woman of Faith" pose!
What I learned from the Book of Judges: I have seen how much God loves me. That even when I want to push Him away, He will reach down into the most dangerous and disgusting part of my life and pull me closer to Him. I use to think this was a new message brought to the world through Christ, but now I see it was not new. It was the enduring message of a God who loves His people.
What insight have you gained over the last 6 weeks? Please share in the Comment section (click here if you are reading this in your e-mail). I look forward to reading all of your comments!!
Next week: My One Word by Mike Ashcraft and Rachel Olsen. Bring a friend and spread the word! Get your book and journal now (if you don't already have them)! Go here to order your copy through Amazon and support our Youth!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly
honey
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
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