PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Judges 17-18
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” (Judges 17:6)
The saying ‘power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’ is not true.
It is the the power that corrupts, but the nature that receives the power.
We were made (our created nature) to live with, like and for God in His world.
But rejecting God as king, we became our own rulers, and chose our own way.
Our nature without God is like a corrupted file, it ruins the computer system.
When people are accountable to something or someone, there is some restraint.
But take away a supreme Law or Law-Giver, and everyone can do as they see fit.
Even in times when there was faith in God, people acted as if they weren’t accountable.
Sadly, some even used Jesus and grace to excuse their abuse of power and immorality.
These chapters show what happens when submission to a higher Law/Law-Giver is gone.
Are we surprised by police violence, political scandal and abuse of power?
Are we surprised by increasing disregard for life, addiction and sexual confusion?
Our problem is human nature without God… and things will only get worse.
The answer is not church or religion; we need Jesus and the Jesus Way of God!
PRAYER
Lord, with You as King, and following Your Way (doing as You see fit), our world would be a better world. Apart from You, it is not wonder our world is falling apart.
On our own – on my own – I too would be following my own whims and desires – taking advantage where I could. Problem for the people in our reading is that they had a heritage -they had roots – they had had the 10 Commandments – but none of it was followed – so they were rudderless because they had not basis, no vision, mission, guidance. I would be rootless too without Jesus- he leads me into truth and what’s right! His HS is the key to right his ways on my heart – help me follow I pray!
‘In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.’
This statement describes the days of the Judges. And each time the Lord raises a Judge to bring His people back to Him.
And in times like today, where do we place our trust, our hope? Men also have gone their own way, making each one a law unto themselves. This brings lawlessness and chaos. Wrong choices. Living without God. No peace.
May the peoples see the need to return to You Lord, living for Jesus and not living unto themselves. We are created to serve You. Help me this day to do just that.
Arise! Obey! And follow God!
Upon these feet which he hath shod.
He guards us with his heavenly sword,
Which is his own, almighty Word.
But do we thank him for his deeds?
For tending to our every need?
No, we think we had all the wit,
And our Lord Jesus we emit.
The mocker pride’s our sure demise.
Why listen to the devil’s lies?
For pride will come before a fall,
Oh, sinner listen to my call!
The dragon pride, creeps in on us;
What happened to our selflessness?
We need to see that we are low,
Arise! Obey! to God follow!