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?
When was the last time you were driving and thought, well, I don’t see any police officers?
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 the inhabitants, not to make treaties or covenants, destroy the idols and worship sites, not intermarry, not adopt Canaanite customs, worship only at the chosen place, and set 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? Hasn’t your idolatry became a snare? 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, or will you just say I want what’s right in my own eyes? Will you be blinded by sin?
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.