As the title suggests, today’s reading are all found in the book of Judges.  After Joshua’s death there was a period of history where a variety of judges (or leaders) led the Israelites.  The most famous of the judges in today’s reading include: Deborah (well-known for being a female leader), Gideon, and Samson.

I think my favorite passage in this section of scripture is Judges 6:15-16.  Here we find Gideon being called by God to be a Judge over Israel and lead them in battle. “But Lord,” Gideon asked, “how can I save Israel?  My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”  The Lord answered, “I am with you…”  That’s awesome.  Isnt’ that just like God.  He always chooses the least likely person to be the leaders of His people.  In our weakness God is glorified.  That’s why he chose Gideon…that’s why he slimmed down Gideon’s army…that’s why He let’s you and I lead in His Kingdom work on earth….for His glory.

The one thing that hit me when I was reading our scripture passages for today was that we’re quick to walk away from God.  A bulk of these verses went into detail about how the Lord blessed the Israelites and how they began to divide up all the promised land among the tribes.  In Joshua 21:43-45 we read that the Lord gave all the land he swore to give them and that He gave them rest on all sides from their enemies and that all of His promises were fulfilled.

You would think that this would lead the Isaelites to be content and worship the Lord and serve Him always, but once again our sinfulness comes out.  Within a few pages of scripture we begin to see them setting up foreign gods and the next generation of Israelites began to walk away from God.  By Judges 2:10-11 it says, “After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.  Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals.”

My prayer today is that this won’t be what is said about my generation.  I want the generation that comes behind me to know the Lord.  It’s our responsibility and our great honor to share the Good News and raise up a generation of disciples of Christ.

Today as I read these passages I cling to Joshua 1:7-9…

⁷ Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. ⁸ Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”