Day 50 – Judges: Moral failures

“In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” Judges 21:25 NLT

Reading: Judges 17:1 to Judges 21:25

Despite the seasons of the Judges and the repeated rescue of Israel, the people still would not turn wholeheartedly to God. From chapter 18, we read, “In those days Israel had no king” a few times, reiterating the lack of leadership and they did as they pleased; following the flesh instead of God’s commandments. The result was a spiritual, mortal, and political decline of the nation.

As we learn from Israel, our lives will also decline and decay unless we live by God’s moral guidelines given throughout His entire Word. We are never alone – as He promised – and His Word and Holy Spirit are available to all people. Anyone who is dedicated to God can be used for his service. Real heroes recognize the futility of human effort without God’s guidance and power.

Prayer: Father, thank You for showing us the importance of being in constant obedience to Your Word because following our own ways leads to destruction, decline, and decay not just in our physical lives, but in our spiritual lives too. Show us ways to be brave like the Judges and stand up for You and others. Amen.