Judges Chapter 21: verse 25 (NIV)
In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.
A short, simple statement which doesn’t truly describe the free-for-all and the aftermath described in this and the preceding chapter. Already a divided nation, with in-fighting widespread, and even atrocities amongst their own tribes, they only sought God when they wanted something. This was far from what they had promised Joshua in the not-so-distant past.
But before I get so critical of Israel, I need to take stock of all of the times in my own life where I have gone ahead with decisions, some good and others not so, without seeking God’s mind on the matter. God is interested in every area of our lives, not just our spiritual one. The fact that the God of the whole Universe is invested in how I live my life is astounding, and yet too often its easy to discount that and think that we can manage a situation or circumstance very well by ourselves. What a proud and haughty thought! No wonder the Bible tells us that pride goes before a fall!
Human nature is as fickle today as it was then, and that’s why we shouldn’t be too quick to point a finger at anyone. We should instead be truly glad that a Holy God went to such lengths to ensure that we need not be left to our own devices.
Dear Lord,
I’m grateful and humbled by the mercy and grace You have shown me. I can be as stubborn and strong willed as the Israelites were. Thank You for the willing sacrifice of Christ that means I can be free to live as You intended. Amen.