Judges 17:6 NKJV — In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
The book of Judges contains some excellent lessons.
As this verse states there was no king in Israel.
The reason for this was that God was their King.
Later, we see God clearly state this when the children of Israel ask Samuel to anoint a king over them.
1 Samuel 8:7 NKJV — And the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.”
Obviously, here in the book of Judges they had already rejected the LORD as their leader for : “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
The entire book of Deuteronomy is a reminder of all the words God gave Moses and all that the children of Israel were to do as His people.
No where does it say: do what is right in your own eyes.
Why?
Read the book of Judges.
It’s not pretty nor is it nice.
The sins of people quickly lead to suffering.
Only through God’s appointed judges do the people find some relief.
Unfortunately, many of these judges do not cling to God and His Word throughout their entire lives and the consequences of this cause more suffering.
It’s an important reminder for us.
In our society it has been said truth is in the eye of the beholder.
Truth is what is true to you.
Absolute truth has been degraded and disregarded.
The book of Judges makes it clear what happens when a society lives as if there is no absolute truth.
The people suffer.
Therefore, those who have believed upon the Lord Jesus Christ have an opportunity.
The first thing is to live unto the Lord and not unto ourselves.
God’s people daily living for Christ is one way God reaches the world.
Secondly, we have the privilege to pray for others to know God’s truth.
The Bible is the absolute truth and we have the responsibility to know it and to stand in the gap for those who have yet to know.
We can also learn something else from Judges.
God sent judges to help the children of Israel.
He hasn’t changed, God is still in control, even of the authorities. Romans 13:1
We can seek Him and pray for godly leaders, beginning at home (pray for our family as individuals) and outward (pray for your church leaders, your community leaders, for the government leaders).
When we pray and trust the Lord for every facet of our lives we are putting God where He belongs, we make Him King.
And God is faithful.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for the lessons in Your Word. Thank You for truth. In You I put my trust. In You I find security. Lord, I lift up my husband to You and humbly ask that You continue to guide and direct him. Thank You for giving him to me, he is such a blessing. Lord, I lift up my family to You. Please guide and direct them. Please teach them Your ways. Lord Jesus, I lift up our leaders to You. Please let those in authority be people of integrity. Lord, speak truth into their lives and let Your ways be clear. Lord Jesus, please continue to grow Your church, that many would call upon Your name. Thank You Jesus for all You have done and all You are doing. I praise and worship Your holy name! May the whole Earth be filled with the glory of the Lord. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 