WHO WILL FIGHT FOR US? What we are fighting for? These questions guide our lives and the lives of generations. The Book of Judges shows us that when we are unwilling to fight as God commanded, compromise to get along, fight with the wrong people, and fight for lesser things, then we descend into tribalism and chaos. We end up with the disaster of everyone doing what is right in their own eyes. Then we find ourselves crying out again…WHO WILL FIGHT FOR US?
Briefly tell about a time when you fulfilled the responsibilities and mission given to you?…Why did you fulfill it?
The Lord promised the land of Canaan to Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. The people of Canaan were so wicked and had defiled the land so badly the Lord said they had to get out. God tells the Israelites to, divide the Land by lot, drive out inhabitants, not to make treaties or covenants, destroy idols and worship sites, not intermarry, not adopt Canaanite customs, and worship only at the chosen place, setting yourselves and the land apart as holy.
It is now time for the people of God to take the land. However, The Angel of the Lord confronts them with the reality of their disobedience, “But you have not obeyed Me. What is this you have done?” “The Lord’s anger burned” so He “raised up judges”.
The people abandon the Lord again and again and questions are raised, “Hasn’t the Lord commanded you?“ Am I not sending you?” The people have peace in their idolatry, but it became a snare. Now, is it better for you? How about you practice real repentance? Will you let the Judge decide? Will you take on the responsibilities and mission God has given? **
Reminder: When reading a narrative part of the bible, especially the book of judges, God is often giving a description of what happened not necessarily a prescription of what He ideally wanted or wants us to do now.
God gives us a quick list of 3 men who judged Israel.
In scripture, peoples names were most often given by families with intention, purpose, and meaning. Names often gave a picture of responsibilities, mission, joy, suffering, and/or anger. God often prophetically uses names for good or evil and sometimes redeems names by giving people a new name even changing the meaning of that name for future generations.