The book of Judges covers a period when the nation of Israel should have been settled and thriving in their land. It is the record of a history of thirteen men and one woman who guided their country through a period of roughly 450 years.
One of the key lessons from the book of Judges is that we all have a tendency to be disobedient to God. However, God often provides us with opportunities for recovery. After we are restored, it can be easy to fall back into a pattern of self-obsession, leading us to rebel again and eventually face God's discipline in our lives. This reflects many people's experiences: we don't consistently live in a way that pleases God and often revert to old patterns of sin and disobedience. This is why we need a fresh start (salvation), the forgiveness of sins and the new life that comes through repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ - see Bible quotations at the end of this post.
The main messages of the book emphasise that turning away from God leads to severe consequences in our lives. Nevertheless, Judges also reminds us of God's grace; He never gives up on us and always seeks to bring us back to Himself.
The period begins with the death of Joshua, after which God raises up the Judges to lead the nation. Following the time of the Judges, God establishes a monarchy for Israel at the people's request, as a new form of leadership. During this interim, the people of Israel repeatedly act according to what seems right to them - 'they did what was right in their own eyes'. This phrase appears often and reflects a mindset that is still common today. Ultimately, following one's own desires and doing what feels good does not lead to true happiness; instead, it often leads individuals down a harmful path.
This book also highlights the lives of some remarkable heroes. You will encounter Samson, known as the world's strongest man, and Deborah, a courageous warrior prophetess. Other intriguing characters include Gideon, who begins as a timid individual but transforms into a highly effective soldier. One of the key lessons we can learn from these characters is that they are flawed. Most leaders have weaknesses, and some even harbor hidden secrets. This reminds us that no one is perfect. To be successful in life, we must be honest about our shortcomings and draw strength from God, who has granted us the abilities and talents we possess. It is shortsighted to overlook the fact that our skills were given to us at birth, as are the opportunities to use these gifts.
I hope that as you read this book—and I truly hope you decide to pick it up and read it—you will be impressed by how God protects and preserves His people, even in the face of their continual rebellion against Him. The vital lesson for us is that God remains interested in each one of us, even though we often live in ways that are displeasing to Him.
Bible Portion to consider
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God."
John 3:16-21 (the Bible - ESV)
All photos courtesy of Unsplash
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