God Speaks
Israel Had No King
Verse of the Day: In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit. (Judges 21:25 NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Judges 19-21:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Judges 19
1. God is not easily manipulated as the Levite in this chapter was.
2. Without a king or person in authority, people tend to drift away from God, lose their moral compass, and commit horrible crimes.
Judges 20
1. God is ready, willing, and able to direct people who unite and ask for His help.
2. People need to work together to fight evil, but they should do so under God’s direction.
Judges 21
1. God desires for His people to build a good society.
2. People should encourage each other to get married and raise children as a way of honoring God.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Judges 19-21?
O LORD God, thank You that You are immutable, and firm but kind. Although You can be reasoned with by people like Abraham and Moses, You are not easily manipulated as the Levite in this chapter was. Without a king or person in authority (especially You, LORD) people tend to drift away from You and Your ways, lose their moral compass, and commit horrible crimes against each other. You affirm throughout Your Word that You are always ready, willing, and able to direct people who unite and ask for Your help. Holy Spirit, enable us to do so. We need to work together to fight the evil that is so prevalent at this time in history, but we can only do it if You empower and direct us, LORD. I know beyond a doubt that You desire for Your people to build a good society, encouraging each other to work hard, to get married, and to raise courageous, responsible, and grateful children who trust and obey You. I know that will bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Judges 19-21? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will practice hospitality without being manipulative like the Levite’s father-in-law.
- I will stand up against evil behavior and not try to placate it (leading to something terrible) like the old man in Gibeah.
- I will gather together with others to seek the LORD’s direction in response to a horrific situation.
- I will encourage young people to get married and to raise a family with the goal of restoring our society to following God.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.