Judges is a very unique book within Scripture. As a historical book, it reads oftentimes in a terrifying, difficult way. In many ways, the nature of Judges seems out of place within Scripture. It’s filled with disappointment, rebellion, and wickedness. Yet, it’s also filled with mercy, repentance, and forgiveness. It fits the expression perfectly: “life is like a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs.”
The takeaways in Judges can feel at times impersonal. However, on closer inspection for many of us, the book of Judges is eerily similar. In Judges, we see the same rebellion that is often demonstrated by Israel in our hearts and lives as well. We have this cycle of walking in the spirit in obedience to God, only to lose fervency and follow our own will, to then be corrected and brought back into alignment with God.
Another takeaway for us to consider is the many times we stop short of complete obedience to God. We start well and make a great decision only to stop short of completing the task in front of them. As believers, God has given us specific tasks to pursue: sharing Christ with others, discipling others, being a part of the body, yielding to the Spirit, etc. How are you doing in pursuit of those things? Life can often bring us to a place of feeling tired and burdened down to where we let things coast. No doubt the children of Israel felt that weariness as they were driving out the enemies of God from the promised land. Yet, they stop short of complete obedience. Faithfulness and obedience are two of the most essential building blocks within our spiritual life that help us to experience God’s desire for us. Our Christian life is about making a series of decisions that lead us to a place of honoring God. It is not about making one good decision and being done spiritually.
Lastly, consider the judges that God used to bring His people back into alignment with Him. The judges God used often were weak people. Perhaps it was a lack of faith like Barak or Gideon. Or maybe it was a lack of strength in guarding against the flesh like Sampson. Whatever the case, Judges showcase that God uses flawed people to accomplish His plans. That should bring great encouragement to you and me. We will struggle in our spiritual lives, (we’re human and we have a sin nature) but God is not done with us when we do. God is looking not for perfection in us but surrender. He desires to see us bowed in reliance on Him to work through us each and every day.
Sincerely,
Pastor Derek Whitman