Read:
When assigning a complicated project, many teachers will give their students a rubric — a guide or set of standards to help students know what’s required to succeed. It helps them understand what the teacher is looking for—what to include, how to format it, and more—and also helps the teacher grade their work.
When God gave Israel the Law, he was giving them a set of standards. They knew exactly what to expect—what would happen if they were obedient, and what would happen if they were disobedient. Even so, the people of Israel turned away from God and worshipped other gods. The book of Judges records for us a time when God used sinful nations to discipline – to teach – Israel the right way: worship God and him only.
God does not punish us; he disciplines us, like a father who wants to teach his children how to be kind, honest, and hard-working. Sometimes the discipline stings a little, but it always comes from an abundance of love. God only, always, wants what is best for his children, and that is a relationship with God. Ultimately, God understands our weakness; he knew we would sin, so he provided a way to salvation and forgiveness. Even in the days of Moses, salvation was by grace through faith.
As we read through the book of Judges, we’ll look at some of the key characters. We won’t look at the life of every leader God sent to Israel, but knowing they are there will reinforce the pattern we’ll see over and over: sin, oppression, repentance, deliverance.
Prayer: Dear God, you are loving, merciful, and holy. You have given me directions on how to live, but most of all you want a relationship with me. I want that, too! Help me to put aside anything that comes between me and you and to worship you only. Amen.